Aberdeen South MP Ross Thomson has urged animal lovers to have their say on electric shock collars before a consultation on banning the devices ends this week.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), launched the consultation last month following a campaign by the Scottish Conservative MP.
Mr Thomson has called for the use, sale and distribution of the “cruel, barbaric and outdated devices” to be outlawed.
His call followed action by the SNP government at Holyrood, which fell short of an outright ban and has prompted concerns from animal rights charities that it may prove difficult to prosecute.
The opportunity for people to respond ends on Friday evening.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has also backed Mr Thomson’s calls for a UK-wide ban on the devices.
Ross Thomson, Scottish Conservative MP for Aberdeen South, said: “I would urge anybody that has not already done so to make their feelings known to this UK-wide consultation.
“Many people have said that the Scottish Government has already taken action on this issue, but the change in guidance to prosecutors falls short of an outright ban and it will be very difficult to prosecute offenders unless they are caught in the act.
“Also, banning the sale and distribution of these items remains outwith the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
“Many have been astonished that these so-called training aids are still so prevalent at a time when there have been significant advances in positive, reward-based training.
“These devices instil fear of punishment in the animal. They are cruel and unnecessary and should be banned altogether.”
