THE killer who slaughtered defenceless animals in a horrifying rampage at Pets' Corner in Gourock nearly eight years ago could finally face justice — thanks to the Tele and our readers.

Our law change campaign and a petition signed by thousands of people had already won a key pledge from the Scottish Government to 'seriously consider' a demand that the country's wildlife laws be toughened up.

It was sparked by the outrage which provoked anger right across the community.

Now Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan is edging towards securing the required intervention after raising the matter in parliament with environment minister Mairi Gougeon, and highlighting this newspaper's work.

Mrs Gougeon told the Holyrood chamber that she will discuss with her officials our call for an alteration to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, in what is being seen as a significant breakthrough.

The Telegraph called on our readers to sign-up to our Justice for Pets campaign after we revealed that a legal loophole meant that the animal massacre suspect will never face court as the law currently stands.

Police who investigated the 2011 outrage at the Gourock petting zoo found DNA evidence in 2013 directly linking a then-18-year-old man to the offence, and arrested him.

But Crown prosecutors declared that they couldn't take the case any further because the breakthrough came more than six months after the commission of the crime.

Over 5,400 people answered our rallying call and helped us take the campaign to the corridors of power at Holyrood.

The suspect was accused of bludgeoning helpless animals to death with a golf club while his dog — described as 'large and powerful' — crushed others, including tiny guinea pigs, between its jaws.

At the time, Telegraph vet columnist Neil McIntosh said the sight of the dead and injured animals would 'remain with me for a long time'.

Now justice could be in sight amid plans by the government to alter other parts of the legislation covering fox hunting.

MSP Mr McMillan asked in parliament: "I welcome the commitment to consult on the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, however, will the minister consider proposals to open up the possibility of retrospectively considering new evidence, irrespective of the length of time that has lapsed since the crime was committed, as was asked for in the Greenock Telegraph Justice for Pets petition submitted in 2015."

Minister Mrs Gougeon replied: "Of course that is something I would be happy to consider and something I'm willing to discuss with my officials, and keep Mr McMillan informed."

Mr McMillan said afterwards: "This local campaign was off the back of the barbaric incident at the Darroch Park's Pets' Corner in 2011 which saw a number of animals killed or severely harmed.

"I am pleased that the minister is willing to engage with me on this topic.

"I have already written to her following my question in the chamber yesterday and am seeking a meeting with her to discuss this proposition in more detail."