Petco says it will no longer sell electronic shock collars

Petco on Tuesday announced that it will no longer sell shock collars in its stores.

The pet supplies retailer issued a statement saying that the collars have “no business in our business.”

“We call on the rest of the pet industry and anyone who loves pets to join our movement and help us drive positive change beyond just Petco,” Petco CEO Ron Coughlin said in a letter posted to the retailer’s website.

Petco will no longer sell human-activated and bark-activated electronic shock collars online or in-store.

Shoppers who have recently purchased a shock collar can return it with a receipt for a full refund, Petco said.

The retailer is also offering a free introductory online training class that explores positive reinforcement training.

Animal rights groups have historically opposed the use of shock collars. The Humane Society of the United States said “the least humane and most controversial use of the shock collar is as a training device.”