The regulation which prohibits the use of prong collars (along with the other of the Regs in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act due to sunset in December 2008) is currently in the process of being reviewed with a view to new Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations being made by the end of 2008.
The draft regulations and the accompanying RIS will then be subject to a public consultation period.
The concern is that the Government should be viewing and taking into consideration the facts of the Pressure Point Collar (aka 'pinch' or 'prong' collar) NOW so that they are fully aware and abreast of the knowledge needed in favour of the PPCollar BEFORE they set their minds to drafting new regulations.
The 'parent' submission that has been compiled awaits invitation/permission by the Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Joe Helper for it to be presented. As this 'parent' submission (which includes but is not limited to all the submissions contributed by numerous individuals, including Professional and non-professional trainers and behaviourists; dog-enthusiasts; Vets; and pet dog owners) is comprehensive in its description and explanation of the PPCollar - how and why it works humanely, it is hoped the Minister will invite its presentation now, rather than the period when 'public comment' will be allowed, which will be after the draft of the revised regulations are completed.
Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness should be observed by the Government decision makers when devising and implementing regulations. One of the 3 rules of Natural Justice is that the "decision maker ... ensure that a decision is based upon findings of fact that are in turn based upon sound reasoning and relevant evidence."
Help convince the Government, in particular the Minister for Agriculture (Vic) that NOW is the time for all considerations towards the PPCollar be taken into account, not after regulations are drafted and that to this end it would prove beneficial to invite presentation of the 'parent' submission that is to hand so that a non-biased decision based on "sound reasoning and relevant evidence" may be reached and bear influence in the drafting of the revised regulation.
Many people do not have the time for, or perhaps are loath to letter writing and for this purpose a letter for your use has been drafted. The link to this letter follows.
Letter to Hon. Joe Helper MP
Of course you may adapt the letter to suit your circumstances or to add additional comment should you require. Otherwise, the letter which only needs to be downloaded, amended by the inclusion of your name, address, date and signature where indicated and then finally printed out and posted to The Hon. Joe Helper MP whose address is already given in the letter.
The regulations sunset in December 2008. NOW is the time to act if you would care to help make a difference to the Government's decision on our request for the collar to be permitted for use pursuant to Section 7E of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
