Short answer: yes. As of November 2026, prong collars are legal to buy, sell and use in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, because no UK law specifically bans them. But every owner is bound by animal welfare law, Wales's official dog welfare code calls them "not acceptable", and Northern Ireland is actively considering a ban.
Key points
- As of November 2026, no law in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland specifically bans prong collars.
- England: the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (sections 4 and 9) applies, and Defra's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs says collars "should not cause any pain or discomfort".
- Scotland: the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 applies. The Scottish Government's April 2025 response committed to consult only on remote-controlled static pulse collars.
- Wales: the Welsh Government's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs says prong and pinch collars are "not acceptable". Breaching the code is not an offence in itself, but a court can take it into account.
- Northern Ireland: DAERA consulted from 5 May to 30 June 2026 on banning their use, and on 5 October 2026 the Northern Ireland Assembly backed a motion calling for a ban. No legislation has been introduced yet.
- Prong collars are not permitted at Royal Kennel Club licensed obedience or agility shows.
Last checked: November 2026. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws and proposals change, so check the sources linked below or take advice if you are unsure.
On this page
- At a glance
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- What the law expects of every owner
- Fitting and safe use
- Alternatives
- Other positions
- FAQs
- Shop prong collars
At a glance
| Nation | Specific ban? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| England | No | Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Defra dog welfare code apply |
| Scotland | No | Advisory guidance on training aids; no ban proposed for prong collars |
| Wales | No | Welsh statutory code says prong collars are "not acceptable" |
| Northern Ireland | No (ban proposed) | 2026 consultation proposed banning their use; Assembly backed a ban |
England
No law in England names or bans prong collars. The relevant law is the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Section 4 makes it an offence to cause an animal unnecessary suffering where you knew, or ought reasonably to have known, your act would do so.
Section 9 requires anyone responsible for an animal to take reasonable steps to meet its needs "to the extent required by good practice", including its need "to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease".
Defra's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (2017) does not mention prong collars, but says collars "should not cause any pain or discomfort" and that training involving physical punishment "may cause pain, suffering and distress".
Breaching the code is not an offence in itself, but a court can take it into account. The planned ban on electronic collars in England was never made law, and its draft regulations did not cover prong collars either.
Scotland
There is no ban in Scotland. The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 has equivalent offences: causing unnecessary suffering (section 19) and failing to meet an animal's needs to the extent required by good practice (section 24).
The Scottish Government's guidance on dog training aids (2018) is advisory. It does not name prong collars, but says it does not condone "any other method to inflict physical punishment or negative reinforcement", and that a court may consider the guidance in a prosecution under section 19 or 24. Whether a particular use of a prong collar falls within that wording would depend on the facts.
In March 2025 the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission published a report on training devices which described the risk of injury from a prong collar or choke chain as significant, while noting the evidence is largely case-based.
The Scottish Government's April 2025 response notes the Commission did not recommend prohibiting any device other than remote-controlled static pulse collars, and committed to consult only on those. We have found no Scottish proposal to ban prong collars.
Wales
Wales banned electronic training collars in 2010, but the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 define an electronic collar as one "designed to administer an electric shock". Prong collars are not covered.
However, the Welsh Government's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs (in force since November 2018) states: "Prong and pinch collars, as well as choke chains are not acceptable as they can cause pain suffering and/or injury." Breaching the code is not an offence in itself, but a court can use non-compliance to help establish liability under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Owners in Wales should weigh that carefully.
Northern Ireland
Prong collars are currently legal in Northern Ireland, where the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 sets out the same unnecessary-suffering (section 4) and welfare (section 9) duties. This is the nation where change is most likely.
- From 5 May to 30 June 2026, DAERA consulted on animal welfare reforms, including a proposal to "ban the use of handheld e-collars, choke collars, and prong collars on cats and dogs". The consultation document covers use; it does not set out a ban on sale.
- On 5 October 2026 the Northern Ireland Assembly agreed an amended motion calling on the Minister to introduce a ban on the sale, use and ownership of aversive training tools for domestic animals. A motion is not law. The Minister said he wanted to legislate within this mandate, subject to Executive approval.
As far as we can find, no legislation has yet been introduced, and the scope (use only, or sale and ownership too) and any exemptions are undecided.
What the law expects of every owner
Across the UK, the welfare Acts are about how equipment is used, not just what it is. If a collar is used in a way that causes unnecessary suffering, or a dog's need to be protected from pain and injury is not met, an offence may be committed whatever the equipment.
Rough "corrections", poor fit or leaving a collar on an unsupervised dog could all be relevant.
Fitting and safe use
- Fit high on the neck, just behind the ears and under the jaw, not low on the neck.
- Snug, not tight. Add or remove links so the collar sits close without pinching at rest. A collar that is too loose slides down the neck.
- Never leave it on unsupervised, in a crate, or as an everyday collar. Use a flat collar for ID tags.
- Use rubber tips or covers where appropriate, for example on thin-coated or sensitive dogs.
- Use it only with knowledgeable training. The 2025 Scottish report records trainers stressing correct fitting and avoiding "yanking and choking the leash". Get hands-on help from an experienced trainer before you start.
- Check the neck regularly for marks, rubbing or soreness, and stop if you see any.
Alternatives
Many owners use a flat collar or front-clip harness with reward-based training, which Defra's code says is preferred. A head collar or a well-fitted harness can also help with pulling. A qualified trainer can help you choose.
Other positions
The Royal Kennel Club does not allow pinch or prong collars at licensed obedience or agility shows. The RSPCA confirms they are legal but wants them banned, and the BVA lists them among aversive methods of concern.
Several UK Parliament petitions to ban them since 2024 closed well short of the 10,000 signatures needed for a government response, for example this 2026 petition. We found no Defra statement specifically on prong collars.
Related guides: how to fit a prong collar, how to fit a fur saver collar and grot collars and slip leads.
FAQs
Are prong collars banned in the UK?
No. No UK nation has a specific ban as of November 2026. Northern Ireland has consulted on banning their use.
Are prong collars banned in Wales like e-collars?
No. The 2010 Welsh regulations cover electronic collars only. But the Welsh dog welfare code says prong collars are "not acceptable", and a court can take that into account.
Is Scotland planning to ban prong collars?
We have found no such plan. Scotland's 2025 review committed to consult only on remote-controlled static pulse collars.
Can I use a prong collar at a Kennel Club show?
No. They are not permitted at Royal Kennel Club licensed obedience or agility shows, including the venue.
Can I be prosecuted for using a prong collar?
Not just for owning or using one. But if its use causes unnecessary suffering, or fails to meet your dog's welfare needs, you could commit an offence under your nation's welfare Act.
Shop prong collars
Browse our prong collars, including the Herm Sprenger range. Not sure about size or fit? Email info@k9store.co.uk and a trainer will help.