Call to ban electric shock dog collars

The Scottish Government is under increasing pressure to ban the use of electric shock collars on dogs after more than 10,000 people backed the move.

Ministers are bringing in new regulations which they insist will introduce tighter controls on the use of the controversial devices than there are in England.

Electric collars are used by dog owners and trainers on animals with serious behavioural problems, but charities and campaigners say they are cruel and should be banned outright.

It has been estimated that up to 500,000 people across the UK use the collars, which can provide shocks lasting up to 30 seconds.

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition created a week ago by Conservative politicians Maurice Golden, which calls for the Scottish Government to outlaw the devices.

The MSP, who said simply regulating the sale of shock collars would legitimise their use in the minds of dog owners, has also won the backing of several prominent animal charities.

“Electric shock collars are harmful, and the expert advice is clear that electrocuting dogs doesn’t help train them,” Mr Golden said.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are determined to introduce strict regulations on the use of electronic training aids.”