RESIDENTS in Rossendale were today warned to check out official correspondence after a bogus letter writer issued a threatening letter to a dog owner.

Rossendale Council described the offender as a high-tech conman after the authority's official crest was downloaded from the internet and used on the note.

The threatening letter said the woman, who has not been named but is from Helmshore, faced legal action over her pet dog.

Bill Potter, environmental health officer at Rossendale Council, said: "Farcically, the letter was signed 'D Kennel' but it is not a laughing matter.

"We do not know if this is to be the start of a rash of such letters. We know, however, that they can cause alarm.

"No signature was applied to the letter as the name was merely typed. Rossendale Council does not operate in such a fashion.

"There was also no reference number or address at the top, unlike a genuine letter."

The letter said the woman -- who cares well for her pet -- faced legal action under legislation that does not exist and urges her to adhere to "dog regulations".

Council staff are now alerting members of the public to tell-tale signs for determining whether a letter is genuine or bogus.

It appears the forger has used computer equipment to download the Borough of Rossendale crest onto a sheet of A4 paper.

Mr Potter added: "Anyone receiving a similar letter should contact Rossendale Council for reassurance."