The SPCA is calling for a complete ban on shock collars being used on animals.
This comes after a story aired on Newshub over the weekend, drawing criticism from the public and SPCA.
Shock collars are used as part of the Department of Conservation's (DoC's) dog aversion training to protect native species.
In the hopes of teaching dogs not to attack native species like the whio, DoC has set up a training programme using taxidermy ducks.
The training aims to deter dogs from the endangered ducks, by getting an electric shock when they take a sniff of the taxidermy whio.
SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan criticises the use of these collars and asks for a complete ban.
"SPCA would really like to see a complete ban on the importation, the production, the sale and the use of these collars," she says.
The director of one of the country's largest dog training providers also wants shock collars to be banned for the general public, but believes they do have a place in the right setting.
"In this case, I believe that DoC has a conservation outcome that justifies the use of it," says Steven Thompson, DogsNZ director.
Andrew Glaser, DoC senior biodiversity ranger, backs the training programme and says this is something they need to do to protect the special species.
"It is a simple quick shock that will avert that dog. It's no more than what they'd get off an electric fence out on the farm."
Vaughan says, however, experiencing the shock will be very distressing for the animals.
"Going about your business sniffing something interesting and then experiencing the shock will be very startling and distressing."
