SSPCA warns dog lovers about scams

Published on Wednesday 14 January 2009 09:19

THE SCOTTISH SPCA is warning people to be aware of a scam where puppies are offered for free, as long as people pay transport costs.

The charity has been contacted by suspicious members of the public about this and other kinds of puppy scams recently and are urging people to be extra vigilant when sourcing a new pet.

They also warned that these sales would either result in no puppy being delivered after money was handed over, or could involve puppies which have been bred on illegal puppy farms.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "There are puppy scams happening all over the country and people may not be aware of just how common they are. This particular internet scam is purely about money making, but they are not always so blatant.

"Last year we also had a case in West Lothian, where puppies were being sold from a house with the mother and father on show. However, these adult dogs were not related in any way to the puppies, which had been bred in an illegal puppy farm.

"This sort of scam is deceiving because it is set up to look like a genuine sale, but the puppies often have health problems so we would strongly advise people to be on their guard."