Hi Gareth
I can not imagine that the ANKC can regulate what people do in their own time and on their own property provided it is within the enforceable laws of the land. This regulation seems both unworkable and unrealistic in its current form.
The rule is quite clear - and I believe its existence well known. Hence the secrecy about using collars!
It is certainly "workable" - most people in the sport do not own or use collars. If somebody has bought a collar, not knowing the rule, they can store it away. Anyone who thinks it is unrealistic can take the appropriate action:
1/ Write to your local RAFT committeee - get their support and nominate it as an issue to be raised for the National RAFT committee
2/ The National RAFT committee should, if it supports the use of e-collars, state its case to the ANKC and lobby to have the rule rescinded
There are many rules on our conduct and activities which limit what we can do in addition to the laws of the land. As examples, the CCC(Qld) requires me not to:
1/Breed with a bitch less than 12 months old
2/Sell a dog to a retail pet outlet
3/Sell a pup at under 8 weeks of age
4/Permit my dogs to be mated with dogs of a different breed
They are all activities within the laws of the land.
In case there is difficulty finding the Regulation, try the website of the ANKC, and look at the "Regulations"!
http://www.ankc.aust.com/
It's never been a secret............
Unlike my dog Numnuts, I have no problem with the concept of e-collars, but if we start selecting which rules we choose to comply with - it will bring the sport into disrepute.
Cheers - Alan