Scammers target Pierce County pet owners, threaten to kill animals unless they’re paid

The Sumner Police Department advises pet owners to hang up if someone calls them and demands money in exchange for a lost pet.

The police department announced Wednesday in a social media post that scammers impersonating Metro Animal Services staff and animal control officers have been targeting pet owners.

The scammers tell pet owners they have a missing pet and that payment is needed for the pet’s return, according to the social media post.

“They even threaten to kill the pet if not paid,” the police department said in the social media post. “This is a scam. We never threaten pets or pet owners for payment.”

Those with concerns or questions can reach Metro Animal Services at 253-299-PETS.

Angelica Relente

The News Tribune

253-274-7323

Angelica Relente covers topics that affect communities in East Pierce County. She started as a news intern in June 2021 after graduating from Washington State University. She is also a member of Seattle’s Asian American Journalists Association. She was born in the Philippines and spent the rest of her childhood in Hawaii.