LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office wants to warn the public about a man impersonating an officer from LaPorte County Animal Control.

On August 5, a Galena Township resident contacted the sheriff's office to report an incident.

She stated she was working outside her home when a white van pulled into her driveway. A man, approximately 5'9", 180 pounds with dark hair and a dark mustache approached her.

He said he was from the LaPorte County Animal Shelter and needed to speak to her about her animals.

The resident said the man began to instruct her about the size of the enclosure for her livestock and warned her she had 48 hours to make necessary improvements or the animals could be removed.

He then left her property.

The LaPorte County Animal Shelter doesn't operate a white van. Its vehicles are clearly marked with LaPorte County Animal Control and all of their employees wear photo IDs on the outside of their clothing.

The sheriff's office says similar incidents have been reported in Porter and Allen counties.

The sheriff's office wants the public to call 911 if someone is approached in a similar manner.

If you want to check the legitimacy of an animal control officer, ask for photo identification, or call the animal shelter at 219-326-1637 or the sheriff's office at 219-326-7700.