TRADING standards officers have seized fake Ugg gloves in Inverclyde which were made from specially-bred dogs in eastern Europe.

The shocking discovery was not the only counterfeit find uncovered by eagle-eyed watchdogs, with potentially harmful cosmetics also seized during raids in the district.

In the run-up to Christmas the trading standards team are now warning the public not to take any chances by purchasing counterfeit goods.

Officers discovered that the make-up they took off the streets could have exposed people to dangerous levels of heavy metals which have the potential to cause swelling, rashes and poisoning.

Now they want to get the message across that not only are the goods inferior but they could be dangerous too.

Communities convener Councillor Terry Loughran, pictured right, said: “Criminals see Christmas as a perfect time to cash in on consumers looking out for good deals to ease the financial strain.

“While a cheap deal on a ‘must-have’ gift may seem appealing at the time, it can have frightening consequences.” As part of a new campaign the council also wants people to steer clear of fake alcohol.

It says illicit booze can contain substances like anti-freeze and fuel which could lead to nausea, stomach pains, kidney or liver problems, coma or even death.

The campaign also warns people to be wary of unofficial children’s merchandise such as toys and dressing-up clothes that could pose numerous hazards such as small loose parts, long cords and materials that are toxic or do not conform to fire retardant standards.

And shoppers are being urged to be mindful of the risk from fake electrical goods which could contain defective chargers that can suddenly burst into flames or cause electric shocks, fires and explosions.

Inverclyde Council has just signed up to a national Trading Standards Institute (TSI) initiative to raise awareness of fake goods during the festive season.

TSI chief executive Leon Livermore told the Tele: “Trading standards officers are on the frontline of consumer protection, working hard to remove from the marketplace the poorly-made concoctions of criminals out to make a quick buck at the expense of honest traders and the safety of shoppers.”