Desmond Lee: No electric shock collar restrictions in new NParks guidelines

SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) is set to release new guidelines that will not impose restrictions on the use of aversive animal training devices, including electric shock collars.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee clarified in a written answer on Wednesday (3 April) that these guidelines aim to highlight the risks associated with such devices.

Responding to a Parliamentary Question filed by Mr Louis Ng, Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC regarding the potential ban of remote electric shock collars, Minister Lee emphasized that the forthcoming guidelines will also advocate for the adoption of good training practices within the community.

He mentioned that NParks will continuously monitor the situation and consider further measures if necessary.

“Notwithstanding this, NParks will continue to investigate and take enforcement action in cases where animal training devices cause unnecessary pain or suffering to animals, and to raise awareness on the least intrusive, minimally aversive approach to animal training,” he added.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has previously advocated for a ban on electric shock collars, citing their restricted or banned status in several countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

The SPCA emphasized that employing electric collars on dogs is inherently cruel, and in the hands of untrained individuals, it is susceptible to misuse.

This call for action comes amidst ongoing discussions in parliament regarding the ethical implications of using such devices for animal training.

Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How disclosed in a parliamentary session held on 7 March that he tested various electric collars, experiencing significant discomfort and pain, reinforcing concerns about the welfare of animals subjected to such training methods.

The issue of electric shock collars for animal training has been previously addressed, notably in 2022 when the multi-stakeholder Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup (RAWG) published guidelines aimed at standardizing practices in dog rehoming, adoption, training, and behaviour rehabilitation.

MND reiterated that the guidelines being developed by NParks intend to raise awareness about the risks associated with aversive animal training devices and to encourage the adoption of humane practices within the community.

While these guidelines are not legally enforceable, the authorities affirmed their commitment to investigating and taking enforcement action in cases where animals suffer unnecessary pain or distress as a result of such devices, under the Animals and Birds Act.