From Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends.
Rescued Podencos rehomed in the Uk wearing E-Collars
This is beyond sad, and our greatest fear. The rescues in Spain save these Podencos that are abandoned or subjected to abuse .. They along with their vets supporters and volunteers invest time, significant amounts of money and love in preparing them to start a new life. In the belief they are going to a loving home where they will be safe from any future harm.
It came to the attention of the rescue responsible for the podenco on the right (who was only a few months old when adopted that it is wearing an e-collar. Through a post by a “dog trainer”.. That the only way to give the life a podenco needs which is able to run off lead and not hunt animals is by using electronic training aids, a polite way to call an ecollar that discharges an electrical shock to modify the dogs behaviour.
I can not imagine how devastated the rescue feels. They did reach out to the owner and arranged for a follow up home visit with another trainer who spent 5 hours discussing force free training. However it appears the owner prefers to use an ecollar and now using one on the other podenco adopted back in 2021.
What can be done.? Despite issuing an contract with a condition that training with such collars is not allowed. Offering to take the dog back and making payment to the owner . @The adopter now blocks any form of contact with the rescue.
In the UK .. The animal Welfare ( electronic collars) )England) regulations 2023 were laid before parliament on 27th April 2023 was approved by the House of Lords in June 2023 but no confirmed date to be approved by the House of Commons.
We has a rescue community need to put pressure on the UK government to get the new regulations passed. This will stop trainers been allowed to use them. But I have already been told someone involved with this podenco that won’t happen it would be difficult to police .
I never thought that anyone that would adopt a podenco knowing what life they are rescued from, would ever use such an aversive form of training. Am I naive to think that ? When this came to my attention and I began to investigate I am shocked this is not an isolated case. The trainer has worked with other Podencos and adopters have come forward and confirmed they use ecollars.. not only Podencos but also galgos
This deeply concerns me how can we ensure none of our dogs are subjected to one of these collars .. Even with the most rigorous of checks there are people who will fool us ..
Podencos are such intelligent dogs that have an inner sense and loyalty to their family. They should never know the pain of an E-collar.
To quote the RSCE ( the Spanish equivalent of The UK kennel club or AKC in the USA)
The podenco is of great intelligence, nobility, sociability and always alert . Just enough reactions to stimulations you hat show a lively and balanced character . Very warm, submissive and loyal with his owner, but breaks the bond when unjustly punished .. All of these great characters confers him with a great capacity for training.
If anyone in the UK could offer Jolina Behle any advice or help please message her direct .. the other podenco in the photo the rescue who rehomed it was informed yesterday ..
Just one last thought. To those who says e collars don’t hurt. Ever had a mild electric shock ? I have and it’s uncomfortable but I have the ability to retract from what caused it. Your dog doesn’t have this choice, he is wearing it around his neck with no way to flee from the pain..
This is such a betrayal of a rescuer's trust.
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