Angus solicitor calls for ban on electric shock collars following dog death

Nick Whelan said the Scottish government should ban the “barbaric” devices which deliver shocks for bad behaviour.

The calls come after three-year-old rescue dog Douglas killed a four-month-old jackadoodle, Buzz, in Angus – following the activation of the shock collar.

Douglas was originally from Bulgaria where he was abused by shepherds who used him to guard sheep.

However, his fortunes changed after a vet saved him from locals who had become convinced he was possessed by a gypsy curse and had planned to kill him.

It was this earlier maltreatment that had contributed to his adverse reaction to the shock collars, according to appeal sheriffs.

Mr Whelan said: “Electric shock collars must be banned.

“The Scottish Parliament must look at this as a matter of urgency to stop incidents like this happening again.

“The next time it could be a child unless we address this problem.

“Research suggests the dog can’t source the pain so it just lashes out at anything in front of it.”

Mr Whelan, who represented the charity Saving Saints Rescue UK, added: “The collar played a significant part in this case.

“I have every sympathy for the family whose pet was killed.”