New York – He came from the streets of Brooklyn, a cool customer on four legs, the perfect bait for a sting on a fake veterinarian.
Meet Fred, undercover kitten.
Authorities on Wednesday introduced the 8-month-old former stray cat who posed as a would-be patient while police investigated a college student accused of treating pets without a license.
At a news conference, Fred sported a tiny badge on his collar as he posed for photos with owner Carol Moran, a prosecutor.
Fred shared the spotlight with Burt the Boston terrier, an alleged victim of Steven Vassall, 28, who was arrested last week and released on $2,500 bail.
Burt’s owner, Raymond Reid, contacted authorities after the dog survived a botched operation. In hindsight, he said, he should have been suspicious of a veterinarian who only made house calls and treated animals at an undisclosed location.
Last week, an investigator posing as Fred’s owner summoned Vassall to an apartment rigged with a hidden camera. Authorities played a videotape at the news conference showing the defendant saying the kitten could be neutered for $135.
Vassall was arrested as he left the apartment carrying Fred in a box and cash for the operation. Investigators later recovered a price list for vaccinations and other procedures, including surgeries.
It was unclear how long Vassall – who once worked as a laboratory assistant in a vet’s office – ran his alleged scam.
