Shock collars are legal in the US, but they soon may be illegal in some countries. For example, Wales is considering banning their sale and use. We applaud the Welsh, and the British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association who do not support the use of shock collars. Would that we had their wisdom.
Unfortunately, judging by the actions of the equivalent American associations, here in the United States, we do not have the gumption to oppose shock collars. Veterinary associations accept the concept that shock collars are training aids. I suggest that if you think shock collars are a good training aid, put one on and ask a spouse who “loves you” to use it as a training tool. Watch how quickly you realize it promotes fear and distrust rather than learning and cooperation.
Although veterinary associations should be taking the lead against shock collars, vet associations appear to be an extraordinarily gutless groups. Why would I think this given that most veterinarians are extraordinary individuals? Vet associations are gutless because although many Americans have made it clear they are opposed to ear clipping, tail docking, declawing and force feeding of ducks, veterinary associations have not come out against their use. In fact, in California the veterinary association used association money to actively fight against laws that prohibited cat declaws.
At the national level, veterinary associations also actively support inhumane treatment of animals. For example, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports laws allowing the forced feeding of ducks and the slaughtering of horses for meat. How shocking.
No comments:
Post a Comment