Useful Contacts: E-Collar / Electric Shock Collar Policy Engagement in England
Roles and cited records checked on 11 October 2026. This dated guide distinguishes current responsibilities from historical involvement. It does not imply endorsement, a person's present policy position, or privileged access. Recheck official directories before making contact.
1. Current government responsibilities
Defra is the relevant UK government department for the policy discussed here in England. Do not assume the same rules or decision makers apply throughout the UK. The Animal Welfare Strategy for England states an intention to consult on banning electric shock collars; a consultation proposal is not itself legislation.
DEFRA- Department for Enviroment Food & Rural Affairs
The Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Appointed on 20 July 2026, she has overall responsibility for Defra. Her January 2026 answers cited in this guide were given before that appointment, when she was a Defra Minister of State.
Source: Official role and appointment history
Baroness Hayman of Ullock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra. Her current published responsibilities include animal welfare for companion and wild animals, and statutory instrument programme oversight. This makes her brief relevant to dog welfare policy; it does not establish any particular position on e-collars.
Source: Official ministerial responsibilities
Source: Current Defra ministerial directory and departmental contact routes
2. MPs with documented parliamentary involvement
These examples show specific questions in the parliamentary record. Asking a question does not establish support for NAPET, opposition to a ban, or responsibility for legislation. This is not an exhaustive list.
James Naish MP, Labour, Rushcliffe
Question 104325, tabled on 8 January 2026, asked about banning the sale of shock collars as well as ownership. In question 104324 he asked about prong collars. Angela Eagle answered both on 14 January 2026, stating that the scope of the proposed consultation would be considered. Neither question establishes a government commitment to ban sales, ownership or prong collars.
Source: Question 104325 and answer
Source: Question 104324 and answer
Dr Allison Gardner MP, Labour, Stoke-on-Trent South
First elected on 4 July 2024. Question 22850, tabled on 8 January 2025, asked whether Defra planned to ban the sale and use of shock collars for dogs. Daniel Zeichner answered on 14 January 2025, saying ministers would consider available evidence. This was a question in 2025, not before her election.
Source: Parliamentary career
Source: Question 22850 and answer
Sarah Champion MP, Labour, Rotherham
Question 6248, tabled on 4 October 2024, asked when the Secretary of State last discussed electric shock collars for training pet dogs with the Kennel Club, RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home. Daniel Zeichner answered on 17 October 2024. This is a specific documented scrutiny question, not evidence of frequent advocacy or a current policy position.
Source: Question 6248 and answer
James McMurdock MP, Independent, South Basildon and East Thurrock
Question 102523, tabled on 2 January 2026, asked when Defra would launch a consultation on banning electric shock collars. Angela Eagle answered on 12 January 2026. He has been an Independent MP since 5 July 2025.
Source: Question 102523 and answer
Source: Current parliamentary affiliation and career
3. Historical involvement, not current ministerial contacts
Sir Mark Spencer, former MP and former Defra minister
Defra Minister of State from 7 September 2022 to 5 July 2024. His Commons service ended on 30 May 2024. He responded to parliamentary questions concerning the draft 2023 electronic collar regulations. Do not present him as a current MP or current Defra minister.
Source: Parliamentary career and government posts
Source: Question 13417 and answer, 15 February 2024
Steve Barclay MP, former Defra Secretary of State
Defra Secretary of State from 13 November 2023 to 5 July 2024. The Commons Order Paper of 23 May 2024 listed a motion in his name seeking approval of the draft Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023. This proves formal parliamentary involvement, not that the motion was debated or passed that day, nor his present policy position.
Source: Parliamentary career and government posts
Source: 23 May 2024 Order Paper, Remaining Orders and Notices, Animals
What happened to the 2023 draft?
The draft was laid on 27 April 2023 and approved by the House of Lords on 19 June 2023. Parliament's timeline records that the Commons approval motion lapsed at the end of the session on 24 May 2024. Do not describe that as a ban that had already come into force.
Source: Official instrument timeline
4. How to use this guide
For constituency assistance, start with your own MP and explain your experience, the specific question you want answered and your postcode. For departmental policy enquiries, use Defra's official contact routes. A parliamentary question is a public record, not a promise that its author will take up another person's case. No response or particular outcome is guaranteed.
Source: Find your MP and official contact details
NAPET publishes this guide to support informed and constructive policy engagement. It is a dated information resource, not legal advice, a comprehensive register, or a statement on behalf of any minister or MP. Current roles and contact details can change.
Download the source checked contacts guide, 11 October 2026.
