Marshalled list of amendments

Monday 5 October 2026

Item 6 – Order Paper 192/22-27 – Monday 5 October 2026

Motion: Banning the Use of Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the importance of promoting animal welfare and humane, reward-based training methods for domestic animals; agrees that aversive training tools, including shock collars, prong collars, choke chains and grot collars, can cause unnecessary pain, fear and distress and have the potential to contribute to longer-term behavioural problems; notes that the use of electronic shock collars on cats and dogs is prohibited in Wales and that the Scottish Government has issued guidance on the use of aversive dog training aids; acknowledges calls from reward-based dog trainers, Dogs Trust and the USPCA for stronger restrictions on aversive training tools; welcomes the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ recent consultation on animal welfare reform, including proposals to ban specific aversive training devices, and looks forward to the Department publishing its response; calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to bring forward legislation within the current Assembly mandate to prohibit the use and possession of aversive training tools for domestic animals, with appropriate exemptions for veterinary professionals, animal rescue organisations and dog wardens where necessary for safe handling or in emergency situations; and further calls on the Minister of Justice to work with the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in considering appropriate penalties and ensuring that any resulting enforcement measures are adequately resourced.

Mr Jon Burrows
Ms Diana Armstrong
Mr Alan Chambers

Amendment

Leave out all after ‘; calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ and insert:

‘to introduce a ban on the sale, use and ownership of aversive training tools for domestic animals as part of his Department’s Animal Welfare Pathway; and further calls on the Minister to work with the Minister of Justice in considering penalties and ensuring that any resulting enforcement measures are adequately resourced.’

[Mr John Blair]
[Mr Andrew McMurray]