Dogs Trust and Gozo SPCA have issued a warning about a man who was fraudulently collecting money on their behalf in Victoria.
The associations are calling on the public to identify the man, who was described as being in his 60s and with missing teeth.
He was seen on Sunday going around Victoria with a Dogs Trust badge and yellow bucket with the Dogs Trust logo asking for donations.
Christina Pace, of Dogs Trust, said the Gozo SPCA, which offers respite to homeless cats and dogs, was alerted about the suspicious collections after the man tried to ask for money from an individual who knew the volunteers.
The man claimed the money was being collected by Dogs Trust Malta to assist Gozo SPCA in a project.
However, Ms Pace said Dogs Trust never authorised anyone to collect money on their behalf. “There were only two instances – when a boy wanted to raise funds at his school and a couple wanted their guests to donate money instead of buying from a wedding list,” she explained.
We never give permission for people to collect money
In these two cases, the association gave its authorisation and published the amount collected in the media for complete transparency.
“We never give permission for people to collect money from the streets or through door-to-door. The website doesn’t even have a link for donations,” she said.
Ms Pace is not aware whether the man did manage to collect any money.
The head of Dogs Trust Malta, Sarah De Cesare Dunkerley, encouraged the public to help the police find the man.
“The charity has several offers in place to help the public but does not actively fundraise in Malta or Gozo. Those wishing to help please contact Dogs Trust directly,” she said.
A police report was filed with the Victoria station and the SPCA and Dogs Trust are appealing to anyone with information to call 2156 2040.
Since 2009, Dogs Trust Malta has neutered around 14,000 dogs for people on benefits, hunters, farmers and shelters.