Doncaster animal shelter warns dog owners after report of thieves posing as RSPCA officers
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Mayflower Animal Sanctuary said the incident, which occurred in Bawtry on Monday (February 1), saw a white van with RSPCA stickers on going around town and removing dogs from dog walking owners.
This, they said, was done under the pretext that the dog matches the description of a stolen dog.
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Hide AdIt said on a Facebook post: "Never let your dog be taken by anyone. Insist they follow you to the vets to have the dog scanned to prove ownership by the chip.
"If they're not for real, they won't go with you! We have never known the RSPCA to operate in the way stated above.
"Phone the police at the first opportunity with as much detail as possible and if at all possible take photos of the offenders and car registration.
"There are also reports of these thieves door knocking in residential areas. Stay aware, keep your dogs safe!"
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Hide AdRSPCA had also issued an urgent warning to dog owners following increasing reports where irresponsible individuals posing as officers in their attempts to gain access to dogs.
The animal charity stressed that their workers have no entry to homes, gardens, land or vehicles, unless accompanying police on a court warrant.
It said the surge in the number of pet thefts during the past year was due to the value of many breeds and the demand for pets during lockdown.