A controversial pet dog control device is set to be outlawed across the UK after it was deemed "cruel and unnecessary" by animal experts.

Electric shock collars can deliver painful jolts via a radio-controlled unit activated by an owner over many seconds from a distance of two miles away, will be banned from February next year.

The devices cost as little as £20 each and about one in 20 Britons admitted to using them on their dogs, often for training purposes.

The Kennel Club's head Mark Beazley said: "The legislation banning electric shock collars in England, which comes into force next year, is a historic moment for animal welfare and will put an end to the misery and suffering of countless dogs who are still subject to these cruel and unnecessary devices.

READ MORE: Law on whether pet owners can use electric shock collars while training dogs explained

"There is simply no excuse for using these devices, which cause physical and psychological harm, especially given the vast array of positive training methods available."

Dr Rachel Casey, of Dogs Trust, commented: "We welcome today’s announcement from Defra that hand-held electric shock collars are to be banned in England. It is both unnecessary and cruel to use these collars on dogs.

“Research has shown that electric shock collars negatively impact dog welfare and instead of improving behaviour, risk causing further behaviour problems," adding: "Worse still, they can be a mechanism for abuse if used in anger."

However, the National Sheep Association warned last year that scrapping the training device would be "utterly irresponsible" and could lead to "animal welfare disaster".

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The Telebraph reported that more than 200 sheep farmers from across England had signalled an increasing number of “distressing and harrowing” dog attacks on their livestock.

The ban comes after animal campaigners spent years fighting for change, with The Sun reporting as far back as 2018 that the Government announced that they were to be banned.

In March, 2018, the minister Michael Gove said: “We are now proposing to ban the use of electric shock collars to improve the welfare of animals”

Wales banned the controversial collars more than a decade ago amid concerns over the well-being of pet dogs.

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