CPG Sec. 655.300 Barking Dog Collar
A veterinary device which has been the subject of regulatory attention is a dog collar which is activated by barking resulting in an electric shock to the dog which supposedly trains him to stop barking. *CVM* believes the collars fall under the definition of a device since they are intended to affect barking, which is a natural dog function. Complaints received, which were later corroborated by our own testing, included severe burns in the collar area and possible personality adjustment injuries to the dogs. The shocking mechanism was found to be activated not only by barking but by vehicle horns, slamming doors or any other loud noise. *CVM* concurred in regulatory action against the device since it was deemed to be dangerous to the health of the animal.
POLICY:
Dog collars which are activated by the noise of barking to produce an electric shock are considered as hazardous to the health of the animal.
*Material between asterisks is new or revised*
Issued: 10/1/80
Revised: 6/2/87