Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to meet animal welfare, veterinary and behaviour organisations to discuss the dangers of electric shock-based dog training.

We have updated the statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs to the effect that if anyone uses training techniques that include physical punishment they risk being prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal

The Secretary of State is meeting the Kennel Club and the Hon. Member for Aberdeen South to discuss this issue on 20 February.