This article may shock Victorians.

[Wayne Parkinson]

Taken from the Hearald Sun.

Wayne P.

Government spikes cruel dog collars
Tanya Giles
22jan04

SPIKED collars that bite into the necks of dogs as a cruel form of discipline will be banned under State Government plans to better protect animals in Victoria.

And people caught with dog and cock-fighting weapons such as clubs and razor spurs will face $500 fines under the crackdown.

The Government is also moving to restrict the use of dog collars that deliver electric shocks.
Anyone caught using spiked or electric collars or dog and cock-fighting implements under the proposed regulations will face $6000 in fines or six months' jail.

Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said the regulations, which have the support of the RSPCA, would ensure dog owners and trainers properly cared for their animals.

"We have a duty as a civilised community to treat our animals humanely," Mr Cameron said.
"Dogs, whether they are pets or working animals, are intelligent and feel pain and suffering. There are ways to train them effectively without resorting to cruelty."

Mr Cameron said spiked collars, which consist of a metal chain with inward-facing prongs, were designed so that when an owner pulled hard or the dog strained on the leash, the prongs would bite into the dog's neck.

"These will be completely banned," he said.
Mr Cameron said the use of electronic dog collars would be restricted to veterinarians and qualified dog trainers or people under their supervision.

Dogmaster Trainers owner Paul Asselman, who sells the devices to control barking and assist training, said the sale of electronic collars should not be restricted.

He denied the devices were cruel.
The regulatory impact statement for the draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Regulations 2003 is to be released today.

[Kirsty Blair]

What's a "qualified dog trainer"? It will be interesting to see the draft of the legislation.

Kirsty