A LOCAL MSP recently hosted an event at the Scottish Parliament allowing organisations and other politicians to pledge their support for banning electronic shock collars.

It has been a year since the Scottish Government announced it would ban the device, but instead has issued guidance on their use.

Electronic shock collars are used to, automatically or remotely, deliver a shock to a dog via metal contacts with their neck, and are used by some people to try and correct problem behaviour.

They can send between 100 to 6,000 volts to a dog’s neck and have the capacity to continuously shock a dog for up to 11 seconds at a time.

Read More: Animal welfare groups accuse ministers of u-turn on electric shock collar ban

Maurice Golden MSP said: “More than 20,000 people signed my petition to ban these harmful devices which cause so much harm to dogs.

“That is why it is hugely disappointing that the government have completely failed to deliver on their promise to ban these harmful devices.

“This is an issue that cannot be kicked into the long grass, the government must act urgently and outline plans that will see electric shock collars for dogs banned once and for all.”

Research shows that physical effects can include yelping, squealing, crouching, and physiological signs of distress in direct response to an electric shock.

The use of electronic shock collars are banned in Wales, and Westminster has confirmed it will introduce a ban on the use of these devices in England.

Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour and research at Dogs Trust, said: “We are disappointed that despite previously committing to effectively ban the use of electric shock collars and other aversive training devices, a year later the Scottish Government has only issued guidance about their use, which is a failure when it comes to protecting Scotland’s pets from these cruel devices.

“This type of device is not only painful for a dog, it can have a serious negative impact on their mental and physical wellbeing. A dog can’t understand when or why it’s being shocked, and this can cause it immense distress as a result.”