We are writing to you today to protect our beloved dogs from shock collars, prong collars, and choke collars (hereon collectively referred to as “aversive collars”).

Scientific research has found that aversive-based training is not more effective than reward-based training and can even make dogs’ behavioral problems worse. Training with aversive collars cause dogs to display stress behaviors and raise their cortisol levels, which indicate that they are suffering from the effects of using aversive collars. When used improperly, aversive collars can also create physical injuries to dogs’ necks.

There are many tools available in the market to manage the behavior of dogs, such as harnesses, martingale collars, and head halters. Combined with proper reward-based training, these devices are effective and make the usage of aversive collars unnecessary. If an electronic collar must be used for deaf dogs or communication over longer distances, then shock-free vibration collars are a more humane option since they do not cause pain.

The Trump Administration recently passed a federal anti-cruelty law, and all states have similar anti-cruelty laws. Most anti-cruelty laws consider the infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering to constitute animal cruelty. Since there are more effective and humane forms of dog training, aversive collars meet this definition of animal cruelty. For this reason, their usage is strongly discouraged by many professional dog trainers and veterinary behaviorists.

Several jurisdictions in Europe and Australia have banned either all or some aversive collars in order to protect the welfare of dogs. It is time for the United States of America to do the same. We request that you please pass a bill to ban (or at least strictly regulate) the usage of aversive collars.