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Fake notices threaten fines for barking dogs in Colorado Springs

Impersonating law enforcement
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Forged notices representing the Colorado Springs Police Department, Humane Society and Animal Enforcement are showing up in Colorado Springs.

“This is not okay,” said Sgt. Jeff Rigney with Animal Law Enforcement.

Most of the reports are from dog owners in the area of Palmer Park Boulevard and Union Boulevard.

"We actually had some people coming in, bringing in the flyers,” Rigney said, “It was a shock to us because it's definitely not our material. We definitely handle the protocol differently than that."

The notices have the logos of Colorado Springs Police and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at the top. Rigney points out, Animal Enforcement has its own logo and does not use the Humane Society logo.

The notices say there are complaints about barking dogs. The threat of a $500 fine is also included.

Animal control is in contact with police about somebody trying to pass as law enforcement.

"I'm very proud of what I do and what I represent and I don't want somebody falsely identifying themselves even if it’s in paper form," Rigney said.

One person who received a notice fears it may be related to the death of his dog. He found the Chihuahua dead in the backyard and thinks it may have been poisoned. Animal Control Officers are being cautious about releasing details.

“There is an investigation,” Rigney said. He does add, the officers he sent to the neighborhood did not find anyone who has seen anything suspicious.