Johnston Police: Woman Posed as Animal Rescue League Employee, Accused Resident of Animal Abuse

A news release from the Johnston Police Deparatment said a woman allegedly posed as an Animal Rescue League employee and accused a Johnston resident of abusing his dog.

The man told the woman to leave, police said.

Police sent a news release Friday about the Aug. 15 incident to warn the public about the woman. The Animal Rescue League suggested it might have been an attempt to steal an animal.

Police said a short brunette with graying hair in a long ponytail approached the resident. Her clothes resembled an animal control uniform but had no identifying features. The woman drove a white Ford Crown Victoria with three antennas and a triangle emblem with “ARL” and a picture of a dog displayed on a door, according to the Des Moines Register.

The woman said she was investigating a complaint about dog abuse. The resident said his dog had just died, but the woman asked for proof. Soon the man threatened to call police unless the woman left.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said neither the woman nor her clothes or the car was associated with the organization, the Register said.

Police said anybody approached in a similar manner should immediately call Johnston police at 515-278-2345.