Men Posing As Animal Control Officers Try to Steal Dogs
This is one of those local stories, like the missing dogs in Minnesota, that I'm posting here nationally/internationally, because you do hear about these things happening all over. Last year there was a similar story here in the area where I live. People posing as animal control officers were going into people's yards and taking their dogs. The real animal control had nothing to do with it. And, like this story, no one really knows why they wanted the dogs.
Be careful. Don't let people take your dog, especially not without checking out their credentials. (Let's hope no one ever takes your dog, period!)
What a shame that someone would try to take a little boy's puppy right from his yard.
From KSDK, Missouri
Men Posing As Animal Control Officers Try to Steal Dogs
Created: 1/18/2008 10:26:45 PM
By Jasmine Huda
(KSDK) - A pair of men posing as animal control officers are trying to steal small dogs, officials in St. Charles County said.
An O'Fallon, Missouri woman said a man tried to seize her grandson's puppy from her front yard Thursday. The man said he had to take the dog because it was not wearing a collar, the woman said.
The individual eventually took off with another man driving a white van.
Officials with the Humane Services for St. Charles County said they do not know what the intentions of the men were. But they said they are assuming the worst.
"They could be taking animals to use them for medical research. Or to breeders for breeding. Or they could be using bait dogs for training pit bulls." Theresa Williams, the director of St. Charles County Humane Services said.
The two men used a white van with a red dog outline, similar to the one used by St. Charles County Animal Control, Williams said.
Williams said a few other residents reported seeing the van.
She said legitimate animal control officers wear clearly marked uniforms with a city or county emblem. They also carry and identification badge. Vehicles are also identified in large print.
Miguel Smith, 5, is the owner of the puppy. He said he will keep the puppy indoors, to be on the safe side.
"If they took her, my heart would be broken in pieces. This is the only friend I have," he said.
Residents who have questions about the identity of an animal control officer in St. Charles County should call the Pet Adoption Center at (636) 949-7387.
