A Scottish Green MSP is calling for a nationwide ban on “cruel” electric shock collars.
Ross Greer is calling on all parties at the Scottish Parliament to support his proposal would would end the use of the “inhumane” devices.
The proposed ban, which will be considered as amendments to Christine Grahame’s Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, would make it a criminal offence to use the cruel devices to train any dog which a person has obtained.
Shock collars have been banned in Wales since 2010.
Despite the introduction of Scottish Government guidance against the use of shock collars in 2018, Greer warned dogs in Scotland continue to be harmed due to the lack of an outright ban against the devices.
Animal rights experts including the British Veterinary Association, SSPCA and the Dogs Trust support a ban, saying they are ineffective as a training tool.
In 2023 the Scottish Government’s own Animal Welfare Commission conducted a thorough review and concluded that a ban was required.
Greer said: “There is no possible justification for applying electric shocks to dogs. It is cruel and causes totally unnecessary pain and suffering.
“The government’s guidance document has clearly not worked and they haven’t even responded to their own experts’ report. I am tired of waiting, which is why I’m giving MSPs the chance to vote for a real ban today.
“I know that MSPs in all parties care deeply about animal welfare and want to see shock collars banned entirely. This is our opportunity to do just that.
“The message from experts, charities and dog owners could not be clearer, dogs should not be made to suffer like this.
“I hope that MSPs will unite to back my proposals and that we can finally end this cruel practice for good.”
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