Fake officers try to take dogs

Two men posing as animal control officers have been trying to con Kapiti dog owners into giving up their pets.

Kapiti Coast District Council spokesman Tony Cronin told The Dominion Post they were probably planning to use them for dog fighting.

Karaparira Winterburn said the pair came knocking at her door claiming her 13-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback Free Willee needed to be taken away for microchipping.

"She doesn't need microchipping, she's nearly kicking the bucket. They had no clipboards, no ID so I told them to get out," she said the newspaper.

The next day she was told other owners had been approached.

Mr Cronin said real council officers carried ID and wore uniforms with council logos. Anyone who was approached by the men should contact police.

- NZPA