National Association for Professional E-Collar Training (NAPET)

Introduction

The National Association for Professional E-collar Training (NAPET) has submitted a formal response to the UK Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy consultation, which includes proposals that may result in restrictions or a ban on e-collars.

NAPET supports the Government’s objective of improving animal welfare and reducing harm arising from the misuse of training methods. The association does not promote or endorse the general or routine use of e-collars.

However, NAPET’s response highlights the importance of ensuring that policy decisions distinguish between unregulated owner led misuse and controlled, professionally supervised application in limited and exceptional cases.

Focus on welfare outcomes and public safety

NAPET represents professional trainers and behaviour practitioners who work with complex cases, including serious aggression, predatory behaviour and high risk situations where public safety may be a concern.

In these cases, trainers are often engaged only after significant problems have already occurred. NAPET has expressed concern that a blanket prohibition, without the introduction of regulated alternatives, may unintentionally reduce welfare outcomes for some dogs and increase risks to public safety.

The association’s submission does not defend tools, but instead focuses on welfare outcomes, professional accountability and proportionate regulation.

Engagement with policymakers and welfare stakeholders

Decisions arising from the consultation will be informed by a range of official bodies and organisations, including DEFRA, which leads the consultation process, as well as influential animal welfare charities such as the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

NAPET has emphasised the importance of constructive engagement with all stakeholders involved in shaping animal welfare policy. The association believes that collaborative, evidence based discussion is more effective than polarised or ideological debate.

Regulation rather than prohibition

In its formal response, NAPET recommended that if remote training aids are permitted at all, their use should be subject to strict regulatory safeguards. These include restriction to accredited professional supervision, clear lines of responsibility, prohibition of owner led or unsupervised use, documented welfare assessment and robust oversight mechanisms.

NAPET’s position is that regulation offers a proportionate way to eliminate misuse while retaining limited professional options in exceptional cases where welfare outcomes may otherwise be poorer.

Looking ahead

NAPET has stated that it remains willing to engage constructively with Government, regulators and welfare organisations to support evidence based policy development.

The association’s aim is to contribute to decisions that protect animal welfare, public safety and responsible dog ownership, while avoiding unintended consequences that may arise from overly broad policy measures.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes and reflects NAPET’s position at the time of publication.

Notes for editors

NAPET does not promote routine or general use of e-collars.

NAPET supports animal welfare reform and misuse prevention.

NAPET’s submission focuses on regulation, professional standards and accountability.

NAPET Responds to the Animal Welfare Strategy Consultation