Beggars selling puppies on Luxembourg streets

Luxembourg police are warning people not to purchase puppies being sold in the street by beggars, suggesting they are part of a scam.

According to reports, police officers have intervened eight times in the capital because beggars have tried to sell young dogs to passersby close to the train station and in the upper town.

“These animals are often found in a pitiful state, are sick, malnourished and covered with parasites. Vaccination certificates or papers are of dubious origin,” Luxembourg Police said in a statement, adding: “By purchasing these animals you render a service to no-one and encourage organised begging rings, which procure and abuse these dogs with the sole purpose of eliciting the compassion of passersby.”

Residents wishing to purchase a dog are urged to contact dog re-homing centres and not to fall for the begging scam.