A lawyer representing screen legend Brigitte Bardot will suggest the move as an alternative to destroying Woofie, owned by Terry and Anne Swankie.

The collie-cross bitch was ordered to be put down for barking at a postman - even though she did not bite him.

Anne Swankie: Nervous wait

Mr Swankie pleaded guilty in September to breaching the Dangerous Dogs Act, accepting Woofie was out of control in a public place.

The Peterhead couple's lawyer, Trevor Cooper, will also be present at the appeal, due to take place in Edinburgh on Friday.

The high-tech collar has a microphone which activates a cloud of harmless spray whenever it picks up the sound of a bark. It is claimed this discourages dogs from making their voice heard.

Mr Cooper said on Wednesday: "We hope the judges will lift the destruction order and the family will be able to resume normal life.

"They are extremely stressed and are very fearful of the outcome if it does not go their way."

Advocate Gordon Jackson QC will represent the Swankies and the case will be heard before two judges.

Mr Cooper said the family were very grateful for the French vets who are sending the collar.