Welfare checks on dogs owned by members of the begging community

Police and the Scottish SPCA have carried out partnership activity to address concerns about the welfare of animals in the city centre.

Both agencies have received numerous reports from members of the public over the past few weeks in relation to the health and care of several Chow Chow and St Bernard dogs owned by members of the Capital’s begging community.

In response to this, local officers from the City Centre Community Policing Team undertook patrols alongside colleagues from the Scottish SPCA, where all of the dogs were thoroughly inspected and given veterinary check-ups.

All of the animals were found to be in good health with no welfare concerns observed and no evidence of any criminality found.

Appropriate advice in relation to the care of the dogs was provided to all owners.

Constable Siobhan Mannion  from the City Centre Policing Team said: “We are really grateful to the public for coming forward to report their concerns and we have acted upon these calls accordingly, alongside our partners at the SSPCA.

“Thankfully, all of the dogs were given a clean bill of health and there were no issues identified as to  their treatment or care.

“Should our communities have any further concerns, or witness any offences committed against these animals then please get in touch with either the Scottish SPCA or police so we can investigate.”

Scottish SPCA Senior Inspector Stuart Murray said:  “We have received a high number of calls from concerned members of the public regarding dogs in Edinburgh city centre.

“We will continue to work alongside Police Scotland to regularly monitor and ensure their welfare.”

Many of the concerns about the dogs were raised on the I LOVE LEITH Facebook group, where one of the members posted a video of the dogs being put into a box in the back of a van where they appeared to be kept, even overnight.