Greens urge parties to back ban on shock collars for dogs

The Scottish Greens have urged other parties to back their push to ban the use of shock collars on dogs.

MSP Ross Greer proposed the ban as an amendment to the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which was tabled by SNP MSP Christine Grahame and is due for a final vote on Thursday.

The Scottish Government’s Animal Welfare Commission concluded in 2023 that the use of shock collars should be banned, saying: “Whatever the skill of the user, e-collars have the potential to cause harm and that that risk is disproportionate to the perceived training benefit.”

Speaking ahead of the final vote and debate on the Bill, Mr 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.”

The Bill will also create a code of practice for those buying, selling and giving away dogs.