The New Electric Collar Ban Consultation: Is Your Containment Fence Safe?

The Short Answer: Yes.

In late December 2025 the Government announced plans to run a future consultation on an Electric collar ban. The proposed consultation, which currently has not date, is to once again discuss the banning of “electric shock collars”. So what about Containment (Invisible) Fences? These valuable fences were explicitly excluded from the previous ban announcement because they were recognised as life-saving tools.

The 2018 DEFRA consultation already settled this debate, confirming that containment systems prevent road accidents and provide pets with safety and freedom. For owners unfamiliar with this approach, understanding how electronic dog fences work can help explain why containment systems are treated differently from training collars.

Quick Fact Check: The 2018 DEFRA Ruling

The electric collar ban consultation in 2018 produced the following results:

The Decision:
DEFRA ruled to ban hand-held remote collars but kept containment fences legal.

The Regulation:
The Government announced it would change legislation to ensure containment fences are professionally installed and paired with appropriate training, recognising that correct setup and education are essential for safety.

The Reason:
Government data proved these systems are “life-saving” and fundamentally different from punitive training devices.

The Support:
Roughly 56% of all 7,334 consultation respondents specifically wrote in to defend containment fencing.

Why Is There a New Consultation to Ban Electric Collars?

In December 2025, the Government launched its new Animal Welfare Strategy, which includes a commitment to consult “later in this Parliament” on a ban of electric shock collars.

It is important to note that a previous attempt to ban these collars, known as the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023, never actually became law. Although it was debated in 2023, the legislation was withdrawn before it could pass through the House of Commons. Consequently, that ban “died” with the last government, leading the current administration to start the process fresh with a new consultation.

How Do Containment Fences Improve Animal Welfare?

Rather than being “aversive” training tools, the 2018 consultation identified containment fences as protective technology. According to official DEFRA findings and industry evidence:

Road Safety:
They prevent cats and dogs from wandering into traffic, a leading cause of pet mortality. Independent veterinary charities also highlight that road safety remains one of the leading risks for pets.

Livestock Protection:
They prevent “worrying” by ensuring pets cannot enter fields with vulnerable animals.

Mental Wellbeing:
They allow pets to enjoy outdoor freedom within a safe, defined boundary, which is vital for their physical and mental health.

These risks can be heightened by seasonal escape triggers, such as wildlife movement and scent trails, particularly in winter months.

Why the 2018 DEFRA Precedent Is Final for Containment

This isn’t a debate that needs to be reopened. The 2018 consultation was one of the most comprehensive ever held on the topic, receiving 7,334 formal responses.

2018 Consultation Metric	The Result
Total Responses	7,334
Pet Owner Defence	Over 6,000 individuals provided evidence
Government Verdict	Containment excluded due to life-saving benefits

Expertise Matters: DogFence and the Law

We are not just a retailer; we helped provide the real-world evidence that protected these systems in 2018.

DogFence was the only UK specialist invited to meet with DEFRA in person to demonstrate how professional installation and calm boundary training ensure pet safety without causing distress.

We stand by that evidence today:
a containment fence is a boundary, not a punishment.

The Bottom Line for Pet Owners

The 2018 consultation proved that containment fencing is widely supported, clearly differentiated from shock collars, and recognised by the Government as a protective tool.

If you use a containment system to keep your pet safe, you are using a tool that the Government has already agreed is a life-saver.

Verified Fact-Check & Authoritative Sources

Verified Data:
Statistics are derived from the 7,334 responses to the 2018 DEFRA Consultation on Electronic Training Collars.

Expert Evidence:
DogFence provided the expert testimony and live demonstrations that informed the Government’s 2018 distinction between containment and training devices.

Official Citation:
The original Government response confirming the exclusion of containment fences can be viewed on the Gov.uk website.

Why Professional Installation and Training Matter

One of the key reasons containment fencing was treated differently in 2018 was the emphasis on correct installation and structured training.

When professionally installed and introduced calmly, containment systems help pets clearly understand their boundaries without fear or confusion. This ensures containment fencing is used as preventative safety infrastructure, not as a shortcut for behaviour correction.

This structured approach is particularly important for instinct-driven behaviour in certain breeds, where roaming and scent following are natural traits.

Why Containment Fencing Saves Lives

Containment fencing addresses risks that traditional fencing and recall training alone cannot:

Prevents pets accessing roads and driveways
Reduces roaming triggered by scent or wildlife
Protects both dogs and cats, who face daily road risks — especially free-roaming cats
Creates predictable boundaries pets can trust

This is why containment fencing was repeatedly described by respondents as life-saving during the 2018 consultation.

Electric Collar Ban Consultation – Frequently Asked Questions

Are containment fences included in the new electric collar consultation?
To date we do not know but given that there is no new evidence to support a ban and that containment fencing was explicitly excluded from the previous ban it is highly unlikely that containment fences will be included in this new consultation. DEFRA previously recognised containment fencing as a welfare-positive and life-saving system when correctly installed and trained.

Why are containment fences different from electric shock collars?
Containment fences create a consistent boundary to prevent danger. Shock collars are hand-held training devices. DEFRA recognised these as fundamentally different in both function and welfare impact.

Will the new electric collar consultation ban consider previous studies?
Any future review would need to consider the same evidence assessed in 2018, which clearly supported containment fencing as a protective tool for animal welfare. Importantly, to our knowledge, no new studies or evidence have been published since that consultation that would alter DEFRA’s original conclusions. In the absence of new evidence, the established position remains valid.

Why Containment Fencing Still Matters

Ultimately, this issue has already been examined through one of the most detailed consultations ever conducted on electronic pet systems. Containment fencing was assessed on evidence, expert input and real-world outcomes — and recognised as a welfare-positive, life-saving solution when professionally installed and correctly trained.

In the absence of new evidence to the contrary, those conclusions remain valid. For pet owners, the message is clear: containment fencing continues to offer a proven, responsible way to protect dogs and cats while supporting safe, calm freedom at home.

The image below reflects the outcome discussed in the electric collar ban consultation: dogs kept safe through professionally installed containment fencing rather than training collars.

Want to Know More About Safe Pet Containment?

If you’d like to understand how professionally installed containment fencing works, or have questions about pet safety and training,

Call us on
01628 476475
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Electric Fence for Dogs: What It Really Means in the UK

An electric fence for dogs is an electronic containment system that uses a buried boundary wire and a receiver collar to create a safe, invisible perimeter. It does not electrify fencing panels or deliver a live electric current, in fact an electric fence for dogs is a commonly used term for what is actually an electronic containment system for dogs. Despite the name, an electric fencing for dogs does not electrify physical fencing or send a live current through your garden. Instead, it uses a buried radio boundary wire and a lightweight receiver collar to create a safe, invisible perimeter. For this reason they are often referred to as underground dog fences.

In the UK, most modern systems described as an electric fencing for dogs are professionally installed electronic dog containment systems designed to keep pets safely at home while preserving freedom in the garden.

What Is a Pet Containment System and How Does It Work?

An electric fence for dogs works by transmitting a low-level radio signal through a boundary wire installed around the perimeter of your property.

Your dog wears a small computer receiver collar. As they approach the boundary:

The collar emits a warning tone.
If the dog continues forward, a brief, programmable static impulse is delivered.
The correction stops immediately once the dog returns to the safe zone.

Although many people search for an “electric fence for dogs,” these systems are electronic rather than agricultural electric fencing. Our guide to electric fence systems for dogs explains how modern containment technology works in practice.

Is an Electric Fence for Dogs Actually Electric?

No.

The term electric fence for dogs is misleading. These systems do not electrify fencing panels, gates or the ground. There is no exposed live wire and no risk to children or other animals touching the boundary. The “fence” is an invisible underground dog fence.

They use a contained radio signal combined with static correction technology — similar in sensation to everyday static discharge.

If you are concerned about welfare, we explore the evidence and research in depth in our guide to whether electric dog fences are cruel or kind, as well as in our wider discussion on the controversy surrounding dog fences and whether they are cruel or harmful

Boundary Wire System vs Traditional Fencing

A boundary wire system for dogs is often chosen when traditional fencing fails.

Common scenarios include:

Dogs jumping 6ft panels
Digging under boundaries
Escaping through damaged fencing
Rural properties where physical fencing is impractical
Planning restrictions preventing tall panels

Unlike visible fencing, an invisible dog fence system creates a psychological boundary rather than a physical one.

This means dogs are trained not to approach the perimeter at all.

Can an Underground Dog Fence Be Installed on Any Property?

In most cases, yes.

A professionally installed underground dog fence for dogs can:

Cross driveways
Run under patios and pathways
Follow complex boundary shapes
Cover large rural estates
Navigate wooded areas

If you are unsure whether professional installation is required, you may find our comparison of dog fence installation: DIY vs hiring a professional helpful.

Professional installation ensures correct cable placement, precise programming and tailored training suited to your individual pet.

electric fence for dogs buried boundary wire crossing driveway with trained dog sitting inside open gate

Buried boundary wire crossing a driveway and a trained dog calmly respecting the invisible boundary — even with the gate open.

Is an Invisible Dog Fence Safe?

When installed correctly and used responsibly, an electric fence for dogs is designed for safety and containment — not punishment.

Modern systems include:

Adjustable static levels
Warning tone before correction
Automatic safety shut-off
Waterproof receiver collars
Tailored training for each pet

Because the term “electric fence” is often misunderstood, questions about safety frequently arise. If you’re exploring the welfare discussion in more depth, our guide on whether electric dog fences are cruel or kind examines the research and practical evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About an Electric Fence for Dogs

Do electric fences for dogs give a shock?

No. They deliver a brief static impulse only if a dog ignores the warning tone.

Do Invisible Fences for dogs hurt?

When properly installed and programmed, the sensation is mild and momentary. Most dogs learn to respond to the warning tone alone.

Are electronic fences for dogs legal in the UK?

Yes. Electronic dog containment systems are legal in England when used responsibly.

Will a hidden dog fence stop my dog jumping over a fence?

Yes. Because the boundary is psychological rather than physical, dogs are trained not to approach the perimeter at all.

Is a Dog Containment System Right for You?

A containment fence for dogs may be suitable if:

Traditional fencing has failed
Your dog repeatedly escapes
You live in a rural area with livestock nearby
You want safety without visual barriers

At DogFence Ltd, we have been installing containment solutions for dogs across England — from small suburban gardens to 350-acre estates.

Our goal is simple: keeping pets safe while preserving their natural freedom at home.

Thinking About Safe Dog Fence Solutions?

Speak to a UK specialist in safe, humane electronic pet containment systems.

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01628 476475
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Electric Collar Ban Consultation: Why Containment Fences Are Excluded