‘Bogus animal inspectors’ trying to steal pets, Scottish SPCA warns

'We are now asking the public to be aware of anyone coming to the door as the Scottish SPCA'

The news comes amid a surge in pet thefts nationwide (AFP via Getty Images)

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) has warned that people posing as inspectors and using dummy vans are trying to steal people’s pets. 

The Scottish animal welfare charity warned on 4 February that a spate of animal thefts seemed to be happening. They described the vans being used to trick owners and steal animals as white with black writing. Some apparently also had the Scottish SPCA logo on the side. 

Since the Scottish SPCA made this announcement, several members of the public have said that the thieves, pretending to be inspectors, had switched to using black vans instead of white. These vans were said to look similar to the ones that real inspectors from the SPCA use. 

One member of the public reported being approched by a bogus inspector in Lanarkshire, who apparently drove a black van.

The incident was described by Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn who said: "Thankfully the member of the public became suspicious and didn't hand over their pet.

"We are now asking the public to be aware of anyone coming to the door as the Scottish SPCA.” 

Mr Flynn warned people to be “vigilant” and to report any suspicious behaviour, especially people posing as inspectors and claiming to be from the RSPCA, which he pointed out “does not operate at all in Scotland.”

The chief superintendent went on to say: "While we can legally seize an animal from a property, we will only do so if the welfare of the animal is seriously compromised, needs vet treatment or the environment is not safe for the animal to be in. Only Police Scotland and the local authority have the same powers.”

He added that the real Scottish SPCA inspectors would “always be in uniform” and would on request be “able to provide identification badges with a photo and authorisation,” as well as the number plate of their vehicle. 

This comes amid a surge in pet theft and an increase in demand for pets, particularly dogs, during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Kennel Club reported a 237 per cent increase in the number of people searching for puppies via its ‘Find a Puppy’ tool in May 2020. The surge came as more and more people were forced to work from home. 

Meanwhile according the organisation DogLost, reports of stolen dogs were 65 per cent higher during the 2020 spring lockdown than at the same time in 2019. 

Anyone who is suspicious of someone claiming to be an inspector from the Scottish SPCA is advised to call the SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.