We have been sharing several missing-pet alerts recently, and while we are incredibly thankful that Belle and Hades have both been FOUND SAFE, we need to bring attention to something disturbing that has been happening more frequently.

⚠️ SCAMMERS ARE TARGETING THE OWNERS OF MISSING PETS.

When someone loses a dog or cat, they are frightened, emotional and willing to do almost anything to bring their family member home. Unfortunately, scammers know this.

Some are contacting owners claiming:

🐾 “I found your dog.”

🐾 “I have your cat.”

🐾 “Send me money and I’ll tell you where your pet is.”

🐾 “Pay me first and I’ll bring your pet back.”

🐾 “Send a deposit, reward, gift card or electronic payment.”

🚨 DO NOT SEND MONEY.

If someone genuinely has your missing pet but refuses to return the animal unless you pay them, immediately contact your local police agency.

Wrongfully withholding someone’s animal while demanding money for its return can be and is criminal conduct. A beloved dog or cat is not something to hold for ransom. They are Personal Property and holding them for ransom is 100% illegal in NYS.

If you receive one of these calls or messages:

📱 Save screenshots of every conversation.

☎️ Save the phone number and voicemail.

💵 Do not send money, gift cards or electronic payments.

📸 Ask for a CURRENT photo or video of the animal before believing the claim.

🔎 Ask for identifying information about your pet that was not included in the public missing-pet post.

🚔 If they claim they physically have your animal and demand payment before returning it, CONTACT POLICE.

Do not meet a suspicious person alone.

And please remember that scammers may simply copy a photo from your missing-pet post and pretend they have your animal when they do not.

❤️ TO EVERY PET LOVER IN WESTERN NEW YORK: PLEASE SHARE THIS.

A missing animal is already devastating enough. No family should have someone exploit their fear and heartbreak for money.

If you see one of our missing-pet posts, please continue to SHARE IT, WATCH YOUR CAMERAS, CHECK GARAGES, SHEDS, PORCHES AND YARDS, AND HELP US GET THESE ANIMALS HOME.

🐾 RECENT ERIE COUNTY BLOTTER PET UPDATES

✅ BELLE: FOUND SAFE

✅ HADES: FOUND SAFE

✅️ DOGS: RETURNED TO OWNER

☑️ ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGE‼️

We will continue helping families get the word out when an animal goes missing, and we will continue updating those posts when they are safely reunited.

PLEASE SHARE. You may protect the next pet owner from becoming a victim.

🐾❤️ Erie County Blotter
Helping People. Helping Animals. Helping WNY.