A petition launched by the Scottish Conservatives to ban electric shock collars for dogs is on the verge of 10,000 signatures – just a week after it was launched.
West of Scotland MSP Maurice Golden started the petition after speaking with charities and animal rights groups.
He argued that simply regulating the collars – as the Scottish Government intends to – would legitimise their use, rather than stop it altogether.
Experts say the collars cause pain and stress to dogs, while police have long abandoned their use when it comes to the training dogs for the force.
The campaign has been backed by a range of groups, including the Kennel Club, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, and the SSPCA.
As it stands, 9825 people have signed the petition.
Scottish Conservative MSP Maurice Golden said:
“Electric shock collars are harmful, and the expert advice is clear that electrocuting dogs doesn’t help train them.
“I urge people to sign this petition to let the SNP know that regulating these devices – which means they would still be used – isn’t good enough.
“They say dogs are man’s best friends – it’s time we repaid that friendship and banned electric shock collars once and for all.”
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If you wish to add your name to the petition you can sign it here.