City Of Kingston warning dog owners about person impersonating bylaw officer

The City of Kingston is urging residents to safely secure their dogs and to request City identification if visited by a person(s) claiming to be a City bylaw enforcement officer.

The City is investigating reports that there is someone pretending to be a bylaw enforcement officer and using the ruse to abduct dogs. He/she may be driving a white van and may claim that he/she is following up on a barking complaint. Several recent reports occurred in the Greenwood Park area, in the city’s east end, on April 3rd.

“If City of Kingston bylaw enforcement officers are responding to complaints of dogs barking we will attend a residence and speak to the owners. We are not there to apprehend the animal. We would never show up at a home and take someone’s dog based on a noise complaint,” says Lacritia Turner, Manager of Licensing and Enforcement.

City of Kingston bylaw enforcement officers wear full uniforms, drive in numbered vehicles marked with the City of Kingston logo, carry numbered badges and have City of Kingston photo identification.

If you are visited by someone claiming to be a bylaw enforcement officer, ask to see his or her badge and photo identification. If you are still unsure, then close the door and call the City at 613-546-4291, ext. 3135 to verify he or she works for the City.