BASC says a ban on electronic dog collars would be disproportionate, amid reports the government is launching a consultation on their use in England.
BASC has consistently made the case that the use of such remote training devices can be a safe and effective method for addressing serious problem behaviours, such as chasing livestock, in a small number of dogs.
BASC is aware of circumstances where the use of electronic collars has prevented dogs being put down.
Glynn Evans, BASC head of game and deer management, said: “A ban on the use of such training aids could remove the solution to remedying the behaviour of certain problem dogs.
“There is little scientific evidence relating to these aids being inherently harmful to the welfare of dogs, and no convincing evidence of long-term effects on welfare if collars are used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.”