Shock collars used to give a painful jolt to dogs should be banned, according to animal charities and campaigners.
The devices are used as a training method for bad behaviour, but can have longer term psychological effects.
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A poll conducted by charity the Dogs Trust found that almost a third of people (31%) wrongly believe the collars are already banned.
The charity has now launched a #Shockinglylegal campaign in a bid to convince the Government to take action.
Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour and research at the Dogs Trust, said: ‘It is both unnecessary and cruel to resort to the use of these collars on dogs.
‘This type of device is not only painful for a dog, it can have a serious negative impact on their mental and physical well-being.
‘A dog can’t understand when or why it’s being shocked and this can cause it immense distress, with many dogs exhibiting signs of anxiety and worsened behaviour as a result.
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‘We urge everyone who loves dogs to consider the impact that using these kinds of devices can have on our four-legged friends, and join with us in asking your MP for an immediate ban on their sale and their use.’
Her view echoes the opinion of Claire Guest, CEO of Medical Detection Dogs, who told Metro.co.uk earlier this month that the collars should be banned.
Dr Guest said: ‘My feeling is that somebody who is professional enough to use the collar appropriately can train a dog without using one.
‘There are ways of training that are much much less severe than putting a shock collar on a dog.
‘A ban is the only way forward.’
The collars are banned in Wales, and Scotland has made moves towards stopping dog owners from using them.
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The Dogs Trust will hold a reception at the House of Commons, where they will ask MPs to sign a letter to Environment Secretary Michael Gove backing a ban.
Shadow environment secretary Sue Hayman said: ‘Last week, Labour set out our animal welfare plan, a vision where no animal is made to suffer unnecessary pain and degradation, and where we continue to drive up standards of animal welfare in line with the most recent advances and understanding.
‘That’s why Labour is consulting on banning the use, sale and importation of animal shock collars in England, following the lead of both Wales and Scotland.’
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