DOG owners have been warned to be on their guard, after suspicious late-night activity at a kennel in Angus.
A vehicle pulled into a gamekeeper’s driveway near Inverarity, by Forfar, around 11.30pm on Friday.
The vehicle had a Belgian number plate, and there were reports of around six men inside.
The gamekeeper, who is a member of the Angus Glens Moorland Group, reportedly said that the men were shining the vehicle’s lights at the kennels, he believes with the intention of finding dogs to steal.
Police are now investigating.
The Angus Glens Moorland Group is a collection of rural estates throughout the county, founded in 2015, with members working together to highlight the positive impact the estates have on the local community.
The incident caused outrage on the group’s Facebook page, with several members reporting similar incidents.
One user said: “My grandparents had them at their farm outside Edzell on Friday evening. They took off very quickly when approached. Then seen going into two neighbouring farms and cottages before leaving. Acting very suspiciously.”
Lianne MacLennan, coordinator of Angus Glens Moorland Group, told the Tele: “No one would want anything to happen to their precious dogs, whether family pets or working dogs.
“Our gamekeeper members wouldn’t be able to operate without their highly trained dogs. As well as being much loved, they are important members of their staff.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland received a report of concern regarding a vehicle within a driveway at an address near Inverarity, by Forfar, at about 11.35pm on Friday August 19.
“The vehicle is described as being a minibus style van that had a number of male occupants within, and had a Belgian number plate. A search of the area was carried out for the vehicle and inquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone who is concerned about suspicious activity in their area should contact Police Scotland on 101.”
The incident comes just a week after Dundee man Leonard Ormond’s dog Rosco was stolen from outside his home.
The 82-year-old reported seeing a van outside his house shortly before he realised the dog was gone.
Inquiries into Rosco’s disappearance last Monday are ongoing.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.