Are Electric Collars Banned in England?

The Short Answer
No. Handheld electronic training collars are not banned in England or Scotland. They remain fully legal across the entire UK except Wales. You can buy them, own them, sell them and use them responsibly without restriction.

Why the Confusion Exists
For years, several national charities led a sustained campaign for a ban. Throughout 2018–2023, the UK Government considered prohibiting handheld e-collars, and organisations such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club repeatedly announced that a ban was imminent — in some cases prematurely celebrating it as if it were already in law.
But the ban never came into force.

How the Ban Was Stopped
When the legislation was proposed, I set up the Association of Responsible Dog Owners (ARDO) to give responsible owners and trainers a unified, organised presence in a debate that had been dominated by one side. ARDO quickly grew into several thousand dog owners who were prepared to act together, set aside any professional or personal differences, and focus on the greater good: retaining access to a tool that, when used responsibly, prevents harm and protects animal welfare.
Importantly, ARDO didn’t work alone.

Alongside other experienced industry stakeholders, we secured support from countryside agencies, national rural activity bodies, farmers, wildlife conservationists and a significant number of vets.

These professionals were willing to stand against the British Veterinary Association’s position statement — a statement built on the flimsiest of evidence, yet used to justify a ban that would have caused clear and predictable harm to dogs, livestock and wildlife.

Together, ARDO and its partners supplied MPs, Lords, civil servants and media outlets with factual, real-world evidence. We challenged misinformation, demonstrated practical outcomes, and provided the level of expertise and clarity that had been missing from the discussion.
The outcome was decisive: the ban collapsed, and handheld electronic collars remained legal.

What the Law Actually Says Today

As of 2025:
England: legal
Scotland: legal
Northern Ireland: legal
Wales: banned under devolved Welsh legislation

There is no licence, no registration scheme, and no restriction on purchase.

Why This Matters for Dog Owners

An electronic collar is a piece of equipment — nothing more and nothing less. It is the responsible, necessary and proportionate use of that equipment that determines its welfare impact, not the technology itself.

In the right hands, it remains one of the most reliable and humane ways to stop dangerous chasing behaviour, prevent livestock attacks, protect wildlife, and give dogs far more freedom than they would otherwise be able to enjoy safely. Removing that option would have harmed dogs, compromised rural animal welfare, and reduced owner control at times when it matters most.

That is why thousands of owners, countryside professionals, conservationists and vets stood together to prevent the ban — and why retaining access to these tools continues to be essential.