What the UK Government Needs to Do for Our Dogs

The UK has long prided itself on being a nation of animal lovers. Yet when it comes to dogs, our legislation still lags behind the science. While recent years have seen some progress, such as the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 and the 2026 Animal Welfare Strategy, many critical gaps remain. From unregulated dog training to the continued use of aversive tools, dogs across the UK are still vulnerable to outdated practices and systemic neglect.

As professionals and guardians who care deeply about canine welfare, we must ask: what should the UK Government do next?

Regulate the Dog Training Industry

Right now, anyone in the UK can call themselves a dog trainer. No qualifications, no oversight, no requirement to follow humane practices. This lack of regulation leaves dogs and their guardians at risk of harm.

What’s needed:

• Mandatory licensing or accreditation for professional dog trainers

• Legal definitions of acceptable, evidence-based methods

• Public education campaigns to help guardians choose ethical support

Without regulation, aversive methods, such as intimidation, leash corrections, and dominance-based techniques, continue to be marketed under vague terms like “balanced training.” This must change.

Ban Aversive Tools Like Shock Collars

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus and public support for a ban, remote-controlled electric shock collars remain legal in England. These devices deliver painful static pulses to a dog’s neck, often from up to two miles away. They are marketed as training aids—typically to stop barking, chasing, or pulling, but are widely condemned by veterinary and welfare organisations for the harm they cause.

Rather than addressing the underlying cause of a dog’s behaviour, such as fear, frustration, unmet needs, or lack of appropriate outlets, shock collars work by suppressing the outward expression of that behaviour through pain or fear. This may create the illusion of “quick fixes,” but it does so at the cost of the dog’s emotional wellbeing. A dog that no longer barks or lunges may still be experiencing intense stress or anxiety; they’ve simply learned that expressing it results in punishment. This suppression can lead to increased tension, learned helplessness, or redirected aggression, and it undermines the trust between dog and guardian.

In 2023, the UK Government introduced the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations, which would have banned these collars from February 2024. However, the legislation was withdrawn before implementation, reportedly due to political delays and lobbying pressure. As of January 2026, shock collars are still legal to use and sell in England, despite being banned in Wales since 2010 and discouraged in Scotland. This continued legal gap leaves dogs vulnerable to outdated, aversive methods that prioritise compliance over welfare.

What’s needed:

• A full legislative ban on remote-controlled electric shock collars, and prong collars

• Extension of the ban to containment systems that deliver static shocks

• Enforcement mechanisms to prevent online sales and misuse

Wales banned shock collars in 2010. Scotland issued guidance discouraging their use. England must catch up.

Reform Dog Breeding and Puppy Sales

Puppy farming, poor socialisation, and health issues remain widespread. While Lucy’s Law banned third-party puppy sales in 2020, enforcement is patchy and online sales remain a loophole.

What’s needed:

• Stricter licensing and inspections for breeders

• Mandatory health and temperament testing for breeding dogs

• Transparency in online listings and a ban on misleading ads

Support Rescue and Rehoming Organisations

The Government has proposed licensing for rescue centres, but there are concerns that over-regulation could harm small, ethical rescues.

What’s needed:

• Tiered licensing that supports grassroots organisations

• Funding and training for foster networks and behaviour support

• Clear standards for welfare, enrichment, and rehoming practices

Improve Access to Veterinary and Behavioural Care

Rising costs and postcode lotteries mean many families struggle to access timely, qualified support.

What’s needed:

• Subsidised veterinary and behavioural care for low-income households

• Incentives for professionals to work in underserved areas

• Integration of behaviour support into primary care

Recognise Dogs as Sentient Beings in Law

The Animal Sentience Act 2022 was a step forward, but its powers are limited.

What’s needed:

• Stronger legal weight for the Animal Sentience Committee’s findings

• Mandatory welfare impact assessments for all new legislation

Forest of Dean and Beyond

In rural areas like the Forest of Dean, where access to ethical trainers and services can be limited, these reforms are especially urgent. Trainers, guardians, and community groups are already doing the work, offering humane, science-based support and advocating for better standards. But without legal backing, their efforts are undermined by the continued availability of harmful tools and unqualified practitioners.

What You Can Do

• Educate your community about humane training and the risks of aversive methods

• Report misuse of shock collars or unethical practices to local authorities

• Write to your MP to support regulation of dog training and a full ban on shock collars

• Participate in public consultations and amplify the voices of welfare organisations

• Support local trainers and rescues who model best practice

  
  

The UK Government has the opportunity, and the responsibility, to lead with compassion and science. Our dogs deserve nothing less.