Vultures Circle Grieving Pet Owners in Charlotte-Mecklenburg 🐾
In an appalling display of greed, scammers are now targeting distraught pet owners in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, exploiting their desperation to reunite with lost pets. This is no small scheme—these scammers are posing as representatives from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (AC&C), preying on those who are emotionally vulnerable.
These fraudsters have been making false claims, contacting pet owners and demanding payments over the phone under the guise of “releasing” their missing pets. Let’s be clear: this is theft, plain and simple. The shelter has issued a firm statement: they never request credit card or personal information over the phone. Any such demand is a red flag.
This isn’t just unethical—it’s disgusting. Exploiting people at their most fragile moment, when they’re worried about the safety of their beloved animals, is nothing short of predatory. If you receive one of these calls, don’t give them an inch. Hang up immediately and report the incident to AC&C at (704) 336-7600.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg AC&C: Fighting for Animals and Their Owners
While scammers disgracefully undermine public trust, AC&C continues to provide an essential lifeline for Charlotte’s pets and their people. Located at 8315 Byrum Drive, the shelter offers services ranging from adoption and emergency animal rescue to vaccination clinics. Its team of 39 officers works tirelessly, responding to cases of abuse, neglect, and dangerous animals across Mecklenburg County.
This isn’t an organization taking things lightly. Their staff specializes in everything from disaster response to in-depth cruelty investigations that sometimes lead to felony prosecutions. AC&C is the cornerstone of animal welfare in Charlotte, and they need your support, not distractions from criminals.
Upcoming Events: Rebuilding Community Trust
Despite the distractions of these predatory scams, AC&C is moving forward with events that directly serve the community. On January 18, 2025, the shelter will host a Drive-Thru Rabies Vaccine Clinic at 2725 Beam Road. This free clinic ensures pets receive their life-saving vaccines, a vital service for public safety and pet health. The event is designed to be fast and efficient, with clear guidance for pet owners to minimize wait times.
Additionally, the shelter will close on January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, reopening the next day to resume full services. Emergency calls will still be handled during the closure.
For those seeking to adopt, foster, or reclaim pets, the Dog Kennel Dashboard provides real-time updates on animals in the shelter. Currently, 456 dogs are in AC&C’s care—152 housed in the shelter and others in foster arrangements.
Don’t Let Scammers Win—Here’s How to Stay Safe
These scammers don’t just steal money; they steal peace of mind. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following AC&C’s guidance:
- Verify Everything: AC&C will never demand payment or sensitive information over the phone.
- Act Locally: All interactions involving reclaims or adoptions should take place at the shelter.
- Report Scammers: If you’re targeted, call AC&C at (704) 336-7600 to report the fraud.
Charlotte can’t afford to let these vultures succeed. They tarnish the trust that organizations like AC&C have worked hard to build. Let’s shut them down—together.
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