A BID to ban electric shock collars for pets is gathering pace after the Scottish Government was criticised for failing to eradicate their use.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced last year she would take steps to promptly ban the use of the collars in Scotland but, since then, only guidance on their use has been issued.

Holyrood chiefs have clarified that use of the devices, which campaigners argue is painful and cruel for animals, is not prohibited.

That led to West Scotland MSP Maurice Golden hosting a drop-in event at the Scottish Parliament to give politicians the chance to pledge their support for a ban on the controversial collars.

Mr Golden said: “Over 20,000 people signed my petition to ban these harmful devices. That is why it is hugely disappointing the government has failed to deliver on its 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.”

The collars, which are sometimes used to correct problems with a dog’s behaviour, can continuously shock animals for 11 seconds, sending as many as 6,000 volts to their neck.

Their use is already banned in Wales, with similar legislation planned in England.

Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour and research at the Dogs Trust charity, 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 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.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, added: “Recently published guidance condoning shock collars is proving to be insufficient in deterring their use and we believe that only a legislative ban will be effective.”

However, a spokesman for the Scottish Government said criticism of the guidance issued at this stage would “appear to be premature at best.”

He added: “Guidance issued by the Scottish Government makes it clear that inappropriate use of electronic training aids may be – depending upon the circumstances of the case – an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, if the user knew or ought to have known that the action would cause unnecessary suffering.

“We fully expect this guidance to be of real, practical benefit to dog owners and those involved in the enforcement of the Act on the ground.

“The principle of introducing guidance as a deterrent, and the wording of the guidance itself, was developed in consultation with the Kennel Club and a number of animal welfare organisations.

“We have been clear that we will review the effectiveness of this guidance after 12 months and then consider if improvements could be made.”