Containment Fences

Containment Fences and Punishment (Shock) collars.

Conservative Animal Welfare is concerned that the so-called “animal containment fences” are being considered in the same light as electric shock collars that have been used to "train" dogs.  We fully endorse the banning of electric equipment that is designed to “shock” of “punish”  an animal in such a way that it causes a painful electric stimulation. A containment fence system is designed to warn cats or dogs when they are approaching a fence or border and likely to endanger themselves on a road or river for example. The status of the “warning” to the animal is of a very different magnitude to a “shock” collar and the use goes hand in hand with training of the animal.

It may well be necessary to define the magnitude of the systems involved as regards the acceptability of the equipment and thus the classification of “warning” or “punishment”. The use of defined containment fences can be a major contributor to reducing the number of cats and dogs that are killed or severely injured on our roads.

We urge those responsible to differentiate between these two animal control systems. We acept that there needs to clear distinction between  these two systems to identify the difference between "warn" and "punish".