Matthew has called for a ban on the use of electric shock dog collars in England during a debate in the House of Commons. He introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill on the issue following the publication of research, funded by the Government, which shows that rather than correct bad behaviour, the collars can cause negative behavioural and physiological changes in dogs.

Matthew said: "In 2013, Defra published two studies which showed that electric shock collars can cause some dogs negative welfare issues even when used by industry trained professionals. Very few people who buy these devices would have the skill set of an experienced training and behaviour adviser and one of these reports shows owners tend not read or follow the advice in the instructions.

"These collars attempt to change behaviour by fear but as it is unlikely a dog will have any idea what has caused the pain, it is far more likely to associate it with something in its immediate environment than to connect it with its own behaviour. This is why cases of dogs attacking other dogs, their owner, or another animal close by at the time of the shock are common.

"There is an argument that they are needed to prevent dogs worrying sheep but under the Dogs Act 1953 dogs must be kept on a lead or under close control and a person in control of a dog worrying livestock is guilty of an offence. There should be no need for an electric shock collar.

"I do not believe these collars achieve their purpose - but they do put dogs, and other animals, through unnecessary pain. It is thought that there are over 300,000 of these devices in use and they should be banned in England as they have been in Wales." 

Matthew is being supported by dog welfare organisations the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club both of which believe positive training methods have a greater influence over a dog's behaviour than the collars.

Matthew is pictured with his Jack Russell, Maximus