The RSPCA is opposed to the use of any electronically activated devices which deliver electric shocks (e.g., anti-barking collars, invisible boundaries) or other aversive stimuli (e.g., high-pitched sounds, citronella). Such devices involve punishment, and inflict pain, fear and discomfort.
| State/Territory | Is the use of electronic dog collars legal? | Name of relevant act/special conditions and requirements* |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | No | Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act 1992 (2001 Amendments) prohibits the administration of an electric shock to an animal, and the placing of an electric shock device on an animal. |
| NSW | No | Section 16 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 prohibits the possession, sale and use of electric dog collars, with limited exemptions for electric boundary systems. |
| NT | Yes | Section 30 of the Animal Protection Act 2018 prohibits the use of electrical devices on animals but Schedule 2 of the Animal Protection Regulations 2022 ‘Excluded electrical devices’ allows for the use of electric training collars on dogs, excluding collars operated by a remote-control device. |
| QLD | Yes | There are no current prohibitions. |
| SA | No | Section 15 of Animal Welfare Act 1985 prohibits the use of an electric device to confine or control an animal. |
| TAS | Yes | Section 8 of the Animal Welfare Act 1993 (updated on 30 November 2022) prohibits the application or exposure of an electronic device to an animal in the course of any sport or public performance or in the training for any sport or public performance. |
| VIC | Yes | Use of authorised electric collars is permitted subject to conditions and exemptions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019. |
| WA | Yes | The Animal Welfare Act 2002 is under review. Currently, Section 19 of the Act and Part 2 (Section 3 and 4) of the Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003 prohibit the use of electric shock devices but a defence in Section 7 of the Regulations allows the use of electric training collars on dogs. |
* Information current as of 19 December 2022.
This information is not legal advice. Seek advice from the relevant authority.
