The collars, which are often used as a training device, can deliver painful jolts continuously for 11 seconds.
They send electrical shocks of varying intensity via a radio-controlled device which can be triggered from two miles away.
The devices cost about £20 each and about one in 20 Brits admitted to using them on their dogs.
Charity The Club Kennel welcomed the ban and dubbing it a “historic moment for animal welfare”.
The Mirror reported CEO Mark Beazley said: “The legislation banning electric shock collars in England, which comes into force next year, is a historic moment for animal welfare and will put an end to the misery and suffering of countless dogs who are still subject to these cruel and unnecessary devices.
“There is simply no excuse for using these devices, which cause physical and psychological harm, especially given the vast array of positive training methods available.”
Dr Rachel Casey, of Dogs Trust, was also celebrating.
She told The Sun Online: “We welcome today’s announcement from Defra that hand-held electric shock collars are to be banned in England. It is both unnecessary and cruel to use these collars on dogs.
“Research has shown that electric shock collars negatively impact dog welfare and instead of improving behaviour, risk causing further behaviour problems. Worse still, they can be a mechanism for abuse if used in anger.”
However, not everyone who works with animals agrees with the ban.
The National Sheep Association warned last year that scrapping the training device would be “utterly irresponsible” and could lead to “animal welfare disaster”.
The Telegraph reported more than 200 sheep farmers from across England reported an increasing number of “distressing and harrowing” dog attacks.
The ban comes after animal campaigners poured years into fighting for change.
On February 26, 2018, the Sun exclusively revealed that Michael Gove will announce that the collars are to be banned by the Government.
In March, 2018, Michael Gove said: “We are now proposing to ban the use of electric shock collars to improve the welfare of animals.”
Wales had already banned the collars in recent years.
SOURCE: The Sun
