I agree with YLL; I don't think that shock collars are cruel unless they aren't being used properly. My dad kept Leather on a shock collar because she kept jumping the fence (it was a 6 ft fence -- that was when she wasn't fat lol). But it never helped. The shock didn't bother her enough. It isn't supposed to be painful; just give a small electric current that is annoying. I have one of those pads that you put on your stomach and it jolts electricity into your muscles. It's an unpleasant feeling, but doesn't hurt unless I turn the dial up waaaay high.

But the duck tape thing is just cruel. They could get in big trouble for that. It prevents a dog from eating and drinking and can also prevent the dog from getting the oxygen it needs. Think about hwat would happen if the dog had to run. Even people can't run and then not breathe through their mouth afterwards; they'd pass out!