Kingston city officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for a person impersonating a bylaw officer who may be trying to take their pets.
According to a news release, the city is currently investigating reports of an individual pretending to be a bylaw officer so they can abduct dogs.
“One of our officers noticed a post on social media of a potential dog incident being taken from private property,” said Dan Hazell, supervisor of Kingston bylaw enforcement.
The City says the person may be driving a white van and may claim they are following up on a barking complaint.
“What’s concerning about that is the actual animal control vehicle is a white van but has a City of Kingston logo and an ID number,” Hazell continued.
According to Lacricia Turner, manager of licensing and enforcement at the City of Kingston, bylaw officers would never take a dog away based off of a noise complaint.
The City would like to remind people that bylaw officers always wear full uniforms, drive in numbered vehicles marked with the City of Kingston logo and carry numbered badges with photo identification.
For their part, Kingston police say they have not received any reports of stolen dogs, but both bylaw and police are urging anyone to check people’s identification if they come to your door.
“Definitely obtain credentials, look at city issued ID. City bylaw officers should be driving a marked vehicle,” said Const. Ash Gutheinz.
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You can also call the 613-546-4291 ext. 3135 to verify if the person is indeed a bylaw employee.
Similar incidents happened in the Kingston, Quinte, and Napanee areas back in 2015, where an animal control impersonator was travelling around in a van allegedly trying to steal dogs.
OPP was investigating that incident but no one was arrested.
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