THE Scottish SPCA has launched a stinging attack on a rival animal welfare organisation.

It claims the public is being duped by Scottish Animal Welfare (SAW) and is urging animal lovers to be extremely cautious in any dealings they have with them.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn, of the Scottish SPCA, released a statement condemning SAW's practices.

He said: "We are concerned that an individual known to us through our enquiries has launched a website and social media sites using the name Scottish Animal Welfare and is posing as a credible animal rescue organisation and a charity.

"We believe this individual is attempting to dupe the public into believing they are contacting the SPCA."

However, a spokesman for SAW hit back claiming the Scottish SPCA "don't like competition" and his organisation is now seeking legal advice over the "defamatory comments".

He added: "We are a volunteer organisation that has never claimed to be a registered charity, but as a non-profit organisation we are currently in the process of applying to become registered. We do things by the book and within the law."