A Scots vet has issued a warning after fake vaccination certificates have been handed out while buying new puppies.
Ardene House Vets, in Kingswells, Aberdeen, said there have been a number of 'recent incidents' where the dodgy paperwork has been given when people were buying dogs in 'good faith'.
They have advised checking the documents closely for tampering.
The practice added that there have been millions more pets bought over the course of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the UK and services were often stretched.
The Daily Record has reported heavily on the illegal selling of puppies in particular across Scotland.
A statement from Adren House reads: "We would like to highlight that there has been recent incidents in Aberdeen where fake vaccination certificates have been given to new puppy owners with puppies purchased in good faith.
Things to look out for include: poor quality card/printing, ineligible signatures, vaccine stickers which look as if they have been tampered with e.g rough around the edge or attached with sellotape.
"If you have recently purchased a puppy and have any concerns please do not hesitate to speak to our team."
Another statement added: "Did you know that 3.2 million households in the Uk acquired pets during lockdown.
"This has led to an increase in demand for veterinary services, where at times due to the pandemic and the challenges it brings, teams have been stretched and working under an immense amount of pressure.
"Although our doors were not always open, the veterinary profession have been here throughout doing our best for our patients and adapting to the ever changing situation and different ways of working."
