Kitten Goes Undercover to Nab a Fake Vet

SoccerMom · 9th February 2006, 12:45 PM

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 that 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.

"He's pretty easygoing, a real Brooklyn guy," Moran said.

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.

Vassall "seemed like a genuinely nice guy," Reid said. "I'm glad they caught him, but at the same time I feel sorry for him."

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 — a college student who once worked as a laboratory assistant in a vet's office — allegedly scammed pet owners before Fred helped put him out of business.

Joyce Clemmons of the nonprofit Animal Care and Control, which rescued Fred, predicted the kitten had a future in law enforcement.

"He's going to be the detective for the animal world," she said.

Talon · 9th February 2006, 01:06 PM

That is just PURRFECT!

Luis · 11th February 2006, 10:36 AM

LOL thats great.

Gwenyth · 11th February 2006, 12:12 PM

Go Kitty Go!!
:grin:

**Adri** · 11th February 2006, 02:12 PM

I bet Fred was very relieved the police got the guy BEFORE he tried to neuter the kitten and not after....

9th February 2006, 12:45 PM	#1
SoccerMom Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 194 Gold: 39 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Kitten Goes Undercover to Nab a Fake Vet 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 that 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. "He's pretty easygoing, a real Brooklyn guy," Moran said. 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. Vassall "seemed like a genuinely nice guy," Reid said. "I'm glad they caught him, but at the same time I feel sorry for him." 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 — a college student who once worked as a laboratory assistant in a vet's office — allegedly scammed pet owners before Fred helped put him out of business. Joyce Clemmons of the nonprofit Animal Care and Control, which rescued Fred, predicted the kitten had a future in law enforcement. "He's going to be the detective for the animal world," she said.

9th February 2006, 01:06 PM	#2
Talon Offical Cookie Taster Join Date: Nov 2005 Shard: Drachenfels and Europa Posts: 503 Gold: 60 My Mood: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Kitten Goes Undercover to Nab a Fake Vet That is just PURRFECT!

11th February 2006, 10:36 AM	#3
Luis Drama queen Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 355 Gold: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Kitten Goes Undercover to Nab a Fake Vet LOL thats great.

11th February 2006, 12:12 PM	#4
Gwenyth Join Date: Sep 2005 Shard: Catskills Posts: 348 Gold: 69 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Kitten Goes Undercover to Nab a Fake Vet Go Kitty Go!! :grin:

11th February 2006, 02:12 PM	#5
Adri Wearing metal panties in a lightning storm Join Date: May 2004 Shard: Pacific/Landroval Posts: 3,753 Gold: 5,387 My Mood: Thanks: 175 Thanked 92 Times in 65 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 2	Re: Kitten Goes Undercover to Nab a Fake Vet I bet Fred was very relieved the police got the guy BEFORE he tried to neuter the kitten and not after.... We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places. --Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt Thanks to Atlas for the fantastic sig!

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