THE Greenock Telegraph’s Justice for Pets law-change campaign has gone all the way to the top tier of the Scottish Government.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson has confirmed receipt of a letter from Greenock-based MSP Stuart McMillan pressing him to act ‘as a matter of urgency’.

The correspondence was triggered by our revelation that prosecutors are powerless to haul the Pets’ Corner slaughter suspect into court.

A time bar legal loophole saves the accused man from facing justice because a DNA breakthrough came more than six months after the horrific crime was carried out.

In his letter to law chief Mr Matheson, Mr McMillan stresses: “This has caused much anger and disappointment within the Inverclyde community.

“Residents are keen for the matter to be pursued through the proper and relevant legal channels.” Greenock-based SNP man Mr McMillan adds: “I wanted to highlight the matter, voice my concerns and to also ask the Scottish Government to investigate what has happened.” Justice boss Mr Matheson, top right, has also been provided with internet links to the Telegraph’s extensive coverage of the issue.

Mr McMillan told the minister: “I look forward to hearing from you as a matter of some urgency.” Meanwhile, signatures are pouring in for the Telegraph’s Justice for Pets petition, which forms a central plank in our drive to change the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act of 2006 by having the time bar restriction lifted.

Thousands of readers have flocked to sign up to the appeal at the Telegraph office, newsagents’ shops and council buildings throughout the district.

Officials at the Scottish Government’s ministerial correspondence unit today confirmed that Mr McMillan’s letter had been received and was under consideration.

Meanwhile our campaign has received a further boost from the Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Karen Wrigley of the centre said: “I back the Telegraph’s campaign 100 per cent. The law needs to be changed. I feel quite frustrated that people who commit wildlife crimes are not being prosecuted.

“I’ve passed relevant details to the police in the past but it never goes any further.” Police sent a full report on the 2011 Pets’ Corner killing spree to the procurator fiscal after arresting an 18-year-old suspect in 2013.

But a Crown Office official said: “Criminal proceedings must be raised within six months from the date of the offence.” You can sign the Justice for Pets petition online at http://chn.ge/1QBjUhu or at your local newsagent or in the Tele office.