Fake dog warden tries to seize pets

POMFRET, N.Y. (WIVB) - Police in the southern tier say dogs are in danger of being stolen by a man who's going from house to house claiming to be the dog warden and attempting to seize residents' pets.

This past Saturday, someone pretending to be a dog warden was knocking on doors, trying to take people's pets, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office.

Lt. James Quattrone said, "A gentleman stopped at a resident's house, claiming to be the dog control officer, and [said he] was going to be seizing the dogs because they were unlicensed."

The phony dog warden went to at least two houses, one on Glasgow Road in the Town of Pomfret, the other in the Town of Portland. Investigators don't know why or how he selected those particular houses - but they point out, both dogs are Australian Shepherds.

The man did not get away with either one of them.

"The first victim, she actually asked for identification. And the person refused to give it to her, and that was what tipped her off. If somebody comes to your house, they should have some type of identification," Lt. Quattrone said.

"He's driving a smaller brown sedan, newer model. White male, approximately six foot tall; brownish hair. In his mid-30s, they believe."

The sheriff's office wants residents to be on the lookout for the man, that car, and suspicious activity in general. What do you do if someone comes for your dog?

Lt. Quattrone says you should treat this just like any other door-to-door scam.

"Get identification. Don't give any information out to these people. And if they have a gut feeling that the individuals aren't supposed to be there, lock their doors and give the authorities a phone call," he said.

Generally speaking, the real dog control officer will serve you with a court summons if your dog isn't licensed. He won't just show up and take your dog.

If you have any information on this case, you should contact Sgt. Inv. Pett at the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, at 753-4498.