A spike in reported dog theft incidents during lockdown is fuelling fears among dog owners.
A number of robbery bids have been reported on Facebook community groups in and around Glasgow, with Police Scotland now investigating the assault of a dog owner at the weekend.
A relative of the 25-year-old victim claimed on Facebook he was set upon by two men attempted to steal his pet at Bothwell Castle on Saturday evening.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Enquiries are ongoing after a man reported being approached by two men on a wooded path near Bothwell Castle and David Livingstone Bridge where he was assaulted.
"Enquiries are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances of the incident."
Another report circulating on social media claimed a young girl was targeted by a group of men who tried to snatch her Labrador at Snuffmill Bridge in the south side on Wednesday (February 27) around 2:40pm.
A local said the "three or four" men, believed to be in their late 20s, were working from a grey van and a blue car near to Linn Park.
Another woman issued a warning to dog owners as she claimed a man wearing a bandana attempted to bait her pet using her ball at Queen's Park before she intervened.
She said he followed her before discovering she was not alone, and he rejoined a group of men at Victoria Road.
Another concerned dog owner warned locals that a group were lurking near the gates of Glasgow Green taking pictures of dogs, though this was not reported to police.
The reports come amid soaring demand for dogs in lockdown across the UK, with the cost of puppies more than doubling over the last year.
The SSPCA suspect dogs are being stolen for breeding purposes or sold on for profit – with no guarantees the animal is being cared for.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are always deeply concerned by reports of pets being stolen as it is extremely distressing for both the animals and their owners. There is also no way of knowing whether the pets will be cared for after they have been taken.
“In our experience animals tend to be stolen for breeding purposes or because they can be sold on for profit.
“It is very important that owners supervise their animals when they are outdoors and remain cautious.
“We also recommend that people microchip their pets as soon as possible so that, should they go missing, there is a much greater chance of them being identified and returned to their owner.”
