Scots want new laws to protect pets from cruelty and suffering, according to a coalition of animal rights organisations

An overwhelming majority of Scots want new laws to protect pets from cruelty and suffering.

A YouGov survey, commissioned on behalf of a coalition of animal welfare charities, found 87% of the population north of the border think regulations should be introduced to protect pets which are traded online, 79% believe there should be a ban on the keeping of primates such as monkeys as pets and 77% want to see a ban on electric shock collars for dogs.

Of the more controversial issues such as fox hunting, driven grouse shooting and tail docking, the public is still in favour of changes to the law to improve welfare.

Just over half of those polled agreed driven grouse shooting should be banned and 67% support widening the fox hunting ban to ensure packs of dogs don’t chase foxes. Also, 71% believe the ban on tail docking of puppies, which is currently under review, should be maintained.

Scotland is forward thinking when it comes to animal welfare legislation but there is still a huge way to go to end needless suffering

One Kind Director Harry Huyton said the results clearly show Scotland is a nation of animal lovers.

He added: “These new polling figures also illustrate an electorate that wants to see positive change which benefits animal welfare.

“Once the polls close on 5 May, the public want more for Scotland's animals from the incoming government and newly elected members”

Robbie Marsland, director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland said: “The Scottish public knows what it wants when it comes to good animal welfare, so all we need now is a parliament that delivers it.”

The collation, which also includes Blue Cross, Cats Protection and vet charity PDSA is part of the More for Scotland’s Animals campaign.

It is asking candidate MSPs to pledge to do more for Scotland’s animals – with 80 candidates having signed up so far.

These issues will be discussed and debated at the More for Scotland’s Animals Hustings on 14 April at the Edinburgh City Chambers.

Steve Goody, Blue Cross deputy chief executive, said: “We’re really pleased to be working alongside other charities, and are hopeful that together we can make a real difference to pet welfare in Scotland. The Scottish Government has already taken some big steps forward when it comes to protecting pets, but there is still more to be done.”

Senior vet and head of pet health at vet charity PDSA, Nicola Martin, added: "Scotland is forward thinking when it comes to animal welfare legislation but there is still a huge way to go to end needless suffering.

“We urge the incoming government to ensure appropriate laws are in place to provide the highest possible standards of animal welfare."