Wales has announced a ban of electric shock collars (e-collars), BBC News reported. Electric shock collar ban in Wales announced Once approved, the hope is that other countries will follow suit. The planned ban, announced yesterday (Thursday 25th February 2010) by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones would be the first of its kind in the UK and is subject to Assembly approval.

The use of electric shock collars to train dogs or cats is to be banned in Wales, announces the BBC new report. The ban, which would be the first of its kind in the UK, is subject to the approval of assembly members. The move has been supported by animal welfare groups, who said pain and fear were not humane training methods.

The RSPCA said it was a "great day for animal welfare in Wales" and the Kennel Club said it was a "huge milestone".

Electric shock collars (e-collars) are used by some trainers and members of the public to give punishment to animals for 'unacceptable' behaviour. The collar is worn around the neck and the user can administer an electric shock to the animal via the remote controlled devices.

Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, said: "This has not been an easy subject to examine. There is genuinely a large degree of concern about how these devices are improperly used, in contrast to responses from people who have used them and found they have worked in stopping an animal from misbehaving. However, the Welsh Assembly Government takes animal welfare very seriously and I am confident that the approach I am announcing will go a long way to promote the welfare of dogs and cats in Wales."

The BBC reports that "Most responses to the consultations were said to support a ban on electronic training devices."

The RSPCA have campaigned on the issue of shock collars for many years and have supported positive reward based training methods over punishment.

Claire Lawson, RSPCA public affairs manager for Wales, said: "This is a great day for animal welfare in Wales. Wales is now the first country in the UK to impose this ban and we hope that the others will take note and follow suit soon."