New animal welfare strategy sparks mixed reactions in Oxfordshire
Plans to ban shock collars for dogs and trail hunting prompts polarised responses
The Government's plans to ban shock collars and trail hunting has drawn mixed reactions from people in Oxfordshire, including dog behaviourist Linda Cooze and Master of the Bicester Hunt, Oliver Cornock.
Linda Cooze, who runs Dogs Behaving Calmly in Bicester, has welcomed the move to outlaw shock collars for dogs.
“I believe it's a bit of a lazy way of training your dog because you're using a tool really for pain,” Linda said. “You're not helping the dog learn and understand you're just shocking it to do what you want.”
Linda, who previously worked with a trainer that used shock collars, explained that the vibrate function on shock collars can be acceptable in certain circumstances. However, she warns against higher settings that can cause distress.
“The vibrate bit is OK on the shock collar. It's when it goes higher and then you get the squeal from the dog and that's what I don't agree with,” Linda said.
She believes the potential for these devices to fall into the wrong hands justifies a complete ban.
"They can be abused and it can be harmful because, especially nowadays, you've got a lot of neurotic dogs and if you start using something like that it can make it ten times worse
“I definitely think the Government's doing the right thing," she said.
On the contrary, other aspects of the new animal welfare strategy have been met with opposition from some locals.
Oliver Cornock, one of the Masters of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase, criticised both the concept and the timing of the ban.
"It’s completely unnecessary to target those to take part in a lawful activity and it's an extraordinary priority for this government against a backdrop of everything else,” Oliver said.
In 2004, an initial law was passed to ban dogs hunting wild animals, including foxes.
The Government has now justified banning trail hunting as they believe it could be used "to facilitate illegal hunting by being used as a smokescreen to obscure intention."
Oliver responded to this by saying: “We take those allegations very seriously. We have a regulatory body that looks after us and when there is any contravention, those are investigated.
"The prosecutions that have taken place have been very few and far between, which would suggest that this is actually something that is is not such a such a big deal, nor is it such a priority."
He highlighted broader concerns about the Government's approach to the countryside, citing issues such as inheritance tax burdens on farmers and inadequate services in rural areas,
“It feels very much like this is part of the wider war against the countryside," Oliver said.
"We have relationships with the farmers and landowners who allow us to lay trails on their land. They too feel very much like this is just yet another attack on rural England and a very, very skewed set of priorities,” he added.
The strategy highlights the changes and improvements the Government aims to achieve by 2030.
They say they will work in partnership with key stakeholders, charities, experts, enforcement bodies, and industry from across the different sectors to ensure as many animals as possible have the highest welfare standards at every stage of their life.