Debate contribution: Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals

Debate contribution by Mr Daniel McCrossan on 5 October 2026.

MLA: Mr Daniel McCrossan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 5 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5774092

Text

I do not think that I have ever been described as that, Mr Deputy Speaker, but I will accept the compliment. I welcome the opportunity, on behalf of the SDLP, to support the motion that was tabled by the UUP and, of course, I acknowledge the Alliance amendment. As Members will know, I am a very proud dog owner. In our home, I have two dogs, Hudson and Rosie. Hudson is two years old and Rosie is 10 years old. They are both bulldogs. They bring so much joy to our lives, particularly after some days in the Assembly, as people can imagine. Earlier this month, I attended, on behalf of the SDLP, the Royal Kennel Club's Stormont Dog of the Year event, which celebrates the special bond between people and their dogs. I was delighted that, whilst he had some competition from my good friend in the Alliance Party, Hudson won the "Pawblic Vote". That was very welcome because it was an appreciation of the considerable joy, companionship and loyalty that our pets bring to our lives. Those experiences only reinforce my belief that we have a duty to treat animals with kindness, care and respect. That is why there is no place in modern animal welfare for training methods that rely on pain, fear or intimidation. Shock collars, prong collars, choke chains and grot collars are aversive devices that are designed to alter behaviour through discomfort or punishment. Many animal welfare organisations, trainers and campaigners have highlighted repeatedly that, rather than building confidence and trust, the physical and psychological harm that those tools can cause creates anxiety, fear and long-term behavioural problems. For reference's sake, Rosie was a rescue dog. She was two when we had the great privilege of getting her. She was terrified of men and terrified of sticks and objects, so she obviously went through a horrific amount of abuse under her previous owner. Luckily, she has come through that and rules the house these days. It shows what loving and understanding your pets can do. We know that there is a better way of doing things, and reward-based training methods are used successfully every day by responsible owners and professional trainers. Those approaches strengthen relationships between owner and animal, encourage positive behaviour and achieve results without causing unnecessary suffering. The motion is therefore about bringing our legislation into line with modern expectations of animal welfare. It is about recognising that animals are sentient beings and that training should be based on patience, encouragement and positive reinforcement. I welcome the Minister's recent consultation on animal welfare reform, and I encourage animal welfare organisations, trainers, veterinary professionals and members of the public to participate in it. However, the consultation must now lead to the necessary action. We have an opportunity during this mandate to take a significant step forward by prohibiting the use and possession of aversive training tools. Importantly, the motion also recognises the need for sensible exemptions. Vets, animal rescue organisations and dog wardens may require such specialist equipment, as referenced by Miss McIlveen, in emergency situations or where safe handling is necessary. Those practical considerations can and should be accommodated. Finally, any new legislation must be backed by effective enforcement and appropriate penalties. There is little value in passing a law unless those responsible for enforcing it have the resources to do so effectively. Our pets enrich our lives in countless ways. Whether it is Hudson and Rosie, who are like two children to me, or the beloved pets in households right across Northern Ireland, they deserve to be treated with compassion and be protected from all and any unnecessary harm. For those reasons, I am pleased to support the motion, and I encourage Members to do likewise.

625 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification