Motion or amendment: Banning the Use of Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals (Revised Wording)

Motion or amendment by Mr Doug Beattie MC on 18 May 2026.

MLA: Mr Doug Beattie MC
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 18 May 2026
Type: Motion or amendment
Business: Motion · Private Members' Motion
Heading: Banning the Use of Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals (Revised Wording)
Assembly identifier: Document 497419

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Text

Banning the Use of Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals (Revised Wording)
That this Assembly recognises the importance of promoting animal welfare and humane, reward-based training methods for domestic animals; agrees that aversive training tools, including shock collars, prong collars, choke chains and grot collars, can cause unnecessary pain, fear and distress and have the potential to contribute to longer-term behavioural problems; notes that the use of electronic shock collars on cats and dogs is prohibited in Wales and that the Scottish Government has issued guidance on the use of aversive dog-training aids; acknowledges calls from reward-based dog trainers, Dogs Trust and the USPCA for stronger restrictions on aversive training tools; welcomes the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ recent consultation on animal welfare reform, including proposals to ban specific aversive training devices, and looks forward to the Department publishing its response; calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to bring forward legislation within the current Assembly mandate to prohibit the use and possession of aversive training tools for domestic animals, with appropriate exemptions for veterinary professionals, animal rescue organisations and dog wardens where necessary for safe handling or in emergency situations; and further calls on the Minister of Justice to work with the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in considering appropriate penalties and ensuring that any resulting enforcement measures are adequately resourced.

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

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