A non-lethal device designed to deter aggressive animals or individuals utilizes electric current to create a painful but generally non-injurious shock. Similar in function to devices used in animal husbandry, these personal protection instruments are intended to create distance and discourage attack. An individual threatened by an assailant might utilize such a device to temporarily incapacitate the attacker, allowing for escape or the arrival of assistance.
The potential value of such devices lies in providing a non-lethal means of protection against threats. Historically, individuals have sought methods to defend themselves without resorting to potentially deadly force. This type of device offers a contemporary solution to this age-old need, potentially reducing the risk of serious injury or fatality for both the defender and the attacker. Its effectiveness, however, depends heavily on situational factors and proper usage.