Fred the Undercover Kitty
Fred the Undercover Kitty | |
---|---|
Born | May 2005 Brooklyn, New York |
Died | August 9, 2006 Queens, New York | (aged 1)
Cause of death | Struck and killed by an automobile |
Fred the Undercover Kitty (May 2005 – August 9, 2006) was a
Early life and adoption
Fred was born in the spring of 2005 in
Fred and his
Law enforcement career and honors
In February 2006, Fred was enlisted by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office as an undercover agent, posing as a would-be patient to help the NYPD apprehend Steven Vassall, a Brooklyn man suspected of acting as a veterinarian without proper license or training. Working with human undercover detective Stephanie Green-Jones, Fred was bait in a February 3, 2006, sting operation to apprehend Steven Vassall, who was charged with unauthorized veterinary practice, criminal mischief, injuring animals and petty larceny.[1] In May 2007, Vassall pleaded guilty to the charges of fraud and practicing veterinary medicine without a licence. As a result of his plea he was sentenced to probation and mandatory psychiatric treatment.[2]
On May 18, 2006, Fred was presented with a Law Enforcement Appreciation Award by Brooklyn district attorney Charles J. Hynes. Fred was later honored on July 8, 2006, at "Broadway Barks 8!", the New York City Theater District’s dog and cat adopt-a-thon benefit hosted by Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters. He was presented with the Mayor’s Alliance Award, which is given to remarkable animals.[3]
Later life
Following the sting operation, Fred began to receive training as a
Death
Fred died on August 9, 2006, when he escaped from his home in Queens, New York, and was struck and killed by a car. Fred was 15 months old.[1][4]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Brick, Michael. (August 12, 2006). A Detective. A Celebrity. And That Was Just Life No. 1. The New York Times. Accessed February 8, 2015.
- ^ Brick, Michael. (23 May 2007). "Brooklyn: Probation for Fake Veterinarian". The New York Times. Accessed February 8, 2015.
- ^ a b Destefano, Anthony M. (19 May 2006). "Brooklyn DA offers commendation for 'Undercover Kitty'". Newsday.
- ^ Destefano, Anthony M. (11 August 2006). “Beloved 'Undercover Kitty' Fred dies". Newsday.