Mississippi: Fake animal control truck spotted in Starkville

MISSISSIPPI -- A vehicle posing as a city animal control unit could possibly be connected to reports of missing pets in the Greenbriar subdivision of Starkville this month, according to the Starkville Police Department.

A white Ford Ranger with an "Animal Control" logo and a large cage in its bed was seen in the subdivision on July 2, the same time Starkville Animal Control received reports from residents there stating several gates in the area were opened, freeing numerous dogs from their yards.

The city operates one animal control vehicle, a white Ford F-150 with an enclosed bed for animal containment.

The escaped animals were eventually reunited with their owners, the SPD press release stated. The pets were uninjured during their time away, the press release said.

Residents who see this vehicle or any other suspicious actions are advised to call SPD at (662) 323-4131.

(CDispatch - July 10, 2014)