Lancashire dog trainer jailed for using prong collars that left 'deep holes'
He's been sentenced for four animal welfare offences
Last updated 10th Apr 2026
A dog trainer who was based in Lancashire has been jailed for six months after using training collars which left neck injuries on dogs in his care.
A court heard how 63-year-old Peter Hargreaves used prong collars on dogs - which are made up of metal links with prongs that produce discomfort for dogs when being walked.
A boxer dog called Kevin was found with lesions around his neck after attending a two-week training course with Hargreaves in November 2019.
His owner noticed Kevin had sores around his neck and had lost weight when she picked him up.
Vets evaluate
She took him to the vets, who confirmed that Kevin's injuries were 'deep holes'.
A forensic vet said the injuries were consistent with the use of a prong collar.
The vet estimated they were caused when he was in Hargreaves' care, as they were fresh.
Kevin's owner found a YouTube video of Hargreaves saying he was using a prong collar on a dog he was walking, after he tried to deny using them.
Similar injuries were also found on a golden retriever called Monty, who stayed with Hargreaves between the end of December 2021 and January 2022.
The sentencing
Hargreaves pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 on 27th March 2026.
He had previously been convicted of two other animal welfare offences in March 2022, but failed to appear for a sentencing hearing.
He's now been sentenced for all four offences, as well as a bail offence and a driving offence.
He's been jailed for six months and disqualified him from owning dogs for five years.
He was also ordered to pay £500 costs towards the RSPCA's prosecution.