Electric shock dog collars are to be banned in Wales, it was announced today.
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said she would bring forward legislation to make their use a criminal offence because of concern that they are cruel to animals.
"This has not been an easy subject to examine. There is much emotion,'' she said.
The announcement makes Wales the first part of the UK to ban the collars which give animals a jolt when they misbehave.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said a scientific study into shock collars was due to finish in 2010, after which the Government will weigh-up a ban in England.
The Scottish Government has consulted on a ban and will make an announcement "in due course'', a spokesman said.
Northern Ireland's Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew, is also likely to consider calls for a ban when drawing up new animal welfare legislation.
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