The controversial use of collars and training aids that modify a dog’s behaviour by delivering an electric shock could become illegal in Scotland amid a backlash over the “cruel” devices.

Animal welfare charities have rallied behind a back-bench SNP MSP following his call for an “outright ban” on shock collars in Britain. Ben Macpherson, a parliamentary aide to Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, is also urging the Scottish government to make it an offence to cause pain or distress to dogs through the use of such devices.

Shock collars can be purchased online for as little as £16 and are widely used by pet owners to train dogs, curb barking and control aggressive behaviour. A number of scientific studies, however, have raised welfare concerns amid