SPCA concerned by Government’s dismissive response to shock collar ban petition

SPCA is calling for Companion Animal Codes to be urgently prioritised in response to the Government rejecting recommendations on dog shock collars.

In SPCA’s view, the Government has side stepped this issue by claiming it should be addressed by the Code of Welfare for Dogs – a document that is 15 years old, and no longer reflects modern science or public expectations.

Compounding the issue, work to update the companion animal codes was officially paused under Government direction in May 2024. This directive effectively halted progress on vital animal welfare protections, including shock collars.

SPCA believes this move effectively side-lines the matter, despite clear recommendations from the Petition Select Committee to take action.

“Codes of welfare are supposed to keep pace with animal welfare science, technology and community expectations,” Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Arnja Dale says.

“But instead, we’re stuck with outdated rules that make it harder, not easier, to protect animals. The dog code, in particular, is woefully out of date. This leaves our animal welfare inspectors in an impossible position; trying to uphold standards that no longer match reality.”

SPCA is calling out the Government’s contradictory stance: claiming the dog code can address shock collar use while simultaneously blocking its desperately-needed update. This undermines not only animal welfare progress, but public trust.

In 2023, SPCA led a working group of seven national organisations to draft a new, evidence-based Code of Welfare for Dogs, following similar work on updated draft Codes for cats and rabbits. These drafts were welcomed into the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) work programme and supported by MPI, until it was abruptly paused.

SPCA urges the Government to immediately direct NAWAC to prioritise work on all three companion animal codes (rabbits, cats, and especially dogs) to fulfil their responsibility to protect companion animals across New Zealand.

With your support, we can push for the changes animals deserve.

Join us by calling on the Minister to demand progress on the Companion Animal Codes of Welfare - access our template and take action now.