IRVINE’S MSP wants the Scottish Government to take action in stopping the sale of electric shock collars.

Ruth Maguire made the plea after a recent meeting with the Dogs Trust charity to discuss their ‘dog manifesto’ for the new Parliament session.

The Cunninghame South MSP, pictured, is backing the manifesto with the Scottish Government recently consulting on the sale and use of electronic collars.

The Dogs Trust say they are “deeply concerned” about their use with 77 per cent of those polled by YouGov supporting a ban on shock collars.

Speaking this week, Ms Maguire said: “I am proud to support the Dogs Trust in raising awareness of the welfare issues that electronic shock collars and other aversive training devices can cause to dogs. 

“Such devices use pain or fear to train dogs and like Dogs Trust I believe this hugely affects the well being of man’s best friends. 

“The charity’s rehoming centres in Scotland only use reward-based training and I want to see these methods guaranteed for all dogs to ensure their welfare, so I am calling on the Scottish Government to take action to prevent the sale and use of these terrible devices.”

Dogs Trust Head of Public Affairs, Claire Calder explained: “We were delighted to visit the Scottish Parliament last week, and meet with Ruth to discuss our 2016 Dog Manifesto. 

“At the top of our agenda is the currently unregulated use of electronic training devices.

“We are calling on MSPs to back our calls for a full ban on the sale and use of static pulse, spray and sonic collars. We are working to ensure the welfare of all dogs and are grateful for the support we have received from across the political spectrum on these issues.”

It is expected that the Scottish Government will respond to their consultation on the ‘potential controls or prohibition of electronic training aids in Scotland’ shortly.

The Dogs Trust Public Affairs team also engaged with MSPs on the breeding and sale of dogs and their work as part of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG), which focuses on the online advertising for sale of pets.