THE Scottish SPCA has issued a warning about bogus inspectors attempting to remove animals from properties.
The animal welfare charity has been made aware of reports of people impersonating inspectors in Perthshire and Renfrewshire.
The bogus inspectors reportedly drove a white van with a Scottish SPCA sticker on it.
It comes following reports in December that dog theft more than doubled in the UK amid the pandemic as criminal gangs cashed in on soaring prices for puppies.
In 2019, there were 170 dog thefts reported to police in the UK. From the start of 2020 until August 2021, there were more than 320 cases, according to UK-wide charity DogLost.
⚠️ Please be aware of bogus inspectors trying to remove animals from properties.
— Scottish SPCA 🐾 (@ScottishSPCA) February 4, 2021
Our inspectors will be able to produce photo ID and can provide you with vehicle registration.
Call our confidential helpline on 03000 999 999 with concerns. More here:https://t.co/eUHp9tnZj4 pic.twitter.com/d2Srq4J8yO
Chief superintendent of Scottish SPCA Mike Flynn said: “We are very concerned for the welfare of the animals who have been taken by people posing as the Scottish SPCA.
“Our thoughts are with the owners as this must be incredibly distressing for them.
“First and foremost we would urge anyone who has experienced this to get directly in touch with us. We will then notify Police Scotland who can investigate this fraudulent behaviour.
“We believe the person/s to be in a white van with a Scottish SPCA sticker on it. Our vans are predominantly black with Scottish SPCA branding.
READ MORE: Stricter penalties for animal abusers in Scotland come into force
“Our inspectors will always be in uniform and will be able to provide identification badges with a photo and authorisation. Our inspectors will also be happy to provide you with vehicle registration.
“If you are at all unsure about someone who comes to your door as the Scottish SPCA then ask them to wait outside and call us immediately. Our inspectors will respect your need to do this."
Anyone with more information can contact the Scottish SPCA confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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