THE Greenock Telegraph’s powerful Justice for Pets campaign today appears to be on course for victory.

Scottish Government law chiefs have hinted that baffling legislation which currently blocks the prosecution of the Pets’ Corner slaughter suspect ‘may be rectified’.

Officials for justice secretary Michael Matheson also say that they ‘understand’ the strong feelings of people throughout Inverclyde over the Gourock massacre — and its inexplicable legal aftermath.

The encouraging comments come amid surging support for our drive to end a time bar loophole which stipulates that such horrific crimes can only be prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found within six-months of their commission.

A justice department spokeswoman said today: “We are aware of the horrific attack that took place at Pets’ Corner and can understand community concerns about the suspect of this crime not being able to be brought to justice.” Police arrested an 18-year-old over the 2011 outrage in 2013 following a DNA breakthrough in the case, but the frustrating existence of the time bar rule means that he cannot be hauled into court.

However, justice may now finally be on the way.

The government spokeswoman said that time bars ‘exist to protect the public and court system’, adding that it would be ‘inappropriate’ to comment on an individual case, such as Pets’ Corner.

But she added: “Scottish ministers do, however, keep the effectiveness of legislation under review so that if significant problems arise in the operation of legislation these may be rectified.” The official comments come after the Telegraph won the support of thousands of people who are still rallying to sign our petition demanding that the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act be amended to remove the time bar.

Cross-party political backing for Justice for Pets is also robust following the launch of our campaign last month.

Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe said he was ‘astonished’ when we revealed the time bar restriction after Gourock councillors Ronnie Ahlfeld and Chris McEleny pursued the Crown Office for months for an answer as to why there had been no prosecution. MSPs Stuart McMillan and Duncan McNeil have personally written to justice secretary Mr Matheson reinforcing our call for a change in the law.

Mr McMillan urged his SNP colleague to act ‘as a matter or urgency’ on the issue and Labour’s Mr McNeil told Mr Matheson: “The Inverclyde community feels extremely let down by a justice system that will not ensure a prosecution.” Several defenceless animals at Pets’ Corner were brutally killed during the 2011 attack, carried out with the use of a golf club and a ‘a large and powerful dog’.

Justice chief Mr Matheson is yet to formally respond to MSPs Mr McMillan and Mr McNeil.