6 out of 10 Adults Say "Bark Control Devices Are Clear Animal Abuse"
Some Dog Owners Claim It’s an Unavoidable Choice to Prevent "Floor Dog Noise"
Experts Say "Environmental Improvement Is More Important Than Bark Control Devices"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] # Kim Mo (25), a university student who has been raising a companion dog for the past two years, recently moved to a multi-family house and got into conflicts with neighbors due to the dog's barking. After much deliberation, Kim put an "anti-bark collar" that delivers an electric shock when the dog barks on the pet. Kim said, "I don't think it's a vocal cord removal surgery, so I bought an 'anti-bark device.' Since using it, there have been fewer complaints from residents, so I'm satisfied. However, my once lively dog has become quiet and seems more timid, which breaks my heart."
Controversy continues over the "anti-bark collar" designed to prevent dogs from barking. The anti-bark collar is a device that forces dogs not to bark by delivering electric shocks or releasing lemon scent whenever the dog barks.
Some citizens argue that the electric shock function of the anti-bark device can harm companion dogs and constitutes "animal abuse," while others see it as an unavoidable choice for "petiquette" (pet + etiquette). Experts suggest that improving the surrounding environment is the proper way rather than making dogs wear anti-bark collars.
As the population raising companion animals exceeds 10 million, related complaints have also increased. According to Seoul City, a survey of noise complaints related to companion animals in 25 autonomous districts showed ▲1,377 cases in 2015 ▲1,505 cases in 2016 ▲1,317 cases until the end of September 2017, increasing every year. Among the total complaints received over three years, noise complaints caused by companion animals accounted for about 8%, also showing an upward trend.
The noise caused by companion animals is also called "floor dog noise." According to data published on the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Bureau's website, dog barking noise reaches 90-100 decibels (dB), louder than vacuum cleaners (60-76 dB) or pianos (80-90 dB). In other words, floor dog noise is comparable to typical inter-floor noise.
Complaints from dog owners who purchased 'Anti-Bark Collar' continue. Photo by Naver Shopping screen capture.
As a result, dog owners are increasingly trying to reduce floor dog noise through anti-bark collars. Related products are easily found on online shopping malls. On the 3rd, a search for "anti-bark device" showed about 29,000 related products being sold, with prices ranging from around 10,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW.
However, there are ongoing claims that this constitutes "animal abuse." It is pointed out that anti-bark devices with electric shock functions can cause burns or injuries to companion dogs.
The anti-bark device is a tool designed to prevent dogs from barking, equipped with stimulation electrodes on the collar. When worn around the neck, it detects the vibration of the vocal cords and delivers an electric stimulus. However, as the perception that wearing anti-bark devices is abuse has spread, the UK banned the sale of anti-bark devices in August 2018.
Kim Mo (26), an office worker who has been raising a companion dog for three years, said, "No matter how much the dog barks, delivering electric shocks seems too harsh," adding, "Animals are much more fragile than humans. Even if the intensity is low, it could be fatal to companion dogs."
Another office worker, Lee Mo (28), also said, "My dog suffered a lot after wearing the anti-bark collar, so I tested it on my arm and it stung," adding, "If it stings this much for me, how much pain must the dog feel? It broke my heart, so I threw it away immediately."
Many citizens show negative reactions to anti-bark devices. According to a perception survey on companion animals conducted by Trend Monitor on 1,000 adults aged 19 to 59 nationwide, 61.7% of respondents considered attaching anti-bark devices, as well as neutering and vocal cord removal surgeries, to be clear animal abuse. About six out of ten adults have a negative perception of anti-bark devices.
On the other hand, some argue that it is unavoidable to some extent for training companion dogs. There are opinions that owners reluctantly choose anti-bark devices to consider other neighbors.
Jeon Mo (25), a university student, said, "At first, I hesitated a lot about whether to use it or not. But after seeing my dog bark loudly even at small noises, I thought I had to buy it to consider other residents," adding, "Also, I was very concerned that neighbors viewed my dog negatively. But surgery seemed too extreme."
He added, "Since wearing the anti-bark collar, the barking has definitely decreased. I chose the weakest intensity, but I still feel sorry for my dog. However, it was an unavoidable choice."
Experts emphasize the importance of proper training. Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, said, "Simply attaching an anti-bark device that delivers electric shocks to a dog is enough to be considered animal abuse. Electric shocks are painful even for humans, so imagine how painful it must be for animals who cannot speak."
He continued, "First, it is important to analyze why the dog barks and find ways to prevent it. Excessive barking can be seen as a sign of stress or unmet needs. Finding the cause and improving the environment is crucial."
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