An animal charity in Kensal Green has launched a petition calling for the government to ban prong and shock collars which are used to train dogs.

The Mayhew Animal Home in Trenmar Gardens, wants the UK to follow in the footsteps of Austria, Switzerland and New Zealand by outlawing the accessories.

They are calling for the public to support their campaign by signing their petition.

The collars are often used as a training method by inflicting pain on the dog to modify behaviour.

They can cause serious physical injuries, especially when misused, including sprained necks, oesophageal damage, vertebrae damage and even death by strangulation.

The charity has seen an increase in the use of these collars due to the ready availability of them in some pet shops and online shops.

In July this year a German Shepherd dog arrived at The Mayhew after being found in a park tethered to a tree by a prong collar.

His collar had metal prongs inside which dig into his neck leaving him depressed, withdrawn and extremely nervous when being handled.

Lisa Guiney, The Mayhew’s dog adoption officer, said: “The use of prong and shock collars is cruel, harmful and an unjustifiable way of training your dog.

“Using treats and/or praise to reward your dog for good behaviour is a more effective method with long term results.”

The Mayhew will be running a national advertising campaign alongside the petition to highlight their case.

To sign the petition visit www.themayhew.org/trainingcollars/.

Fore more information about the Mayhew visit www.themayhew.org or call 020 8968 2446.