SC: York Sheriff: Fake animal control officer attempting to steal dogs

Dan Yesenosky, WCNC 9:47 a.m. EST February 11, 2015

YORK, S.C. -- Matt Brown and his 2-year-old basset hound Molly were surprised to hear that on Billy Wilson Road near their home in western York County, there's been a man trying to steal dogs.

"That's crazy," Brown said. "I'll keep my eyes out that's for sure."

This isn't just a thief; the Sheriff's Office says he's a full blown Animal Control impersonator claiming the dogs have violations.

"Proper water, rabies tags, you know the little tags that the vet give you and so on and so forth," said Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Trent Faris.

If an Animal Control officer comes to your house, pay attention to what he's wearing. Typically, officers wear a blue polo with a gray and white patch embroidered on the front along with their last name. They also wear gray hats saying "York County Animal Control" across the front.

Faris says the suspect in this case drives a beat up, white Ford F-150, but Animal Control officers drive F-250's with cages, traps and compartments on the roof and at the back.

"If it seems unusual to you, don't hesitate to call us," Faris said. "Don't hesitate to call animal control to verify who this person is."

Investigators think the man may be a pet advocate, trying in his own way to do a good deed by taking dogs from certain owners.

"In the recent weeks we had a dog-fighting incident that happened here in York," Faris said. "Some rescue groups sometimes like to take matters into their own hands."

Brown says he'd be hard pressed to hand Molly over without a fight.

"I don't believe we'd fall for it, no way," Brown said. "I believe I'd ask more questions."

If you have any information on the case, you can call Crime Stoppers of York County at 1-877-409-4321.

York Sheriff: Fake animal control officer stealing dogs