Debate contribution: Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 5 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Diana Armstrong
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 5 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5774749

Text

Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, and apologies for my late arrival in the Chamber. I thank Members across the House for their contributions to what has been an important debate, and I thank the Minister for being in the Chamber to respond. At its heart, the motion is about how we believe that domestic animals should be treated. We all accept that pet ownership comes with responsibilities. Animals need training and boundaries, and, at times, difficult behaviour must be addressed; however, there is a clear difference between training an animal and deliberately causing it pain. Shock collars, prong collars, choke chains —

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

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