(AP) - NEW YORK - He came from the streets from Brooklyn, a cool customer on four legs, the perfect bait for a sting on a fake veterinarian.
Meet Fred, undercover kitten.
Authorities said on Wednesday they drafted Fred - an 8-month-old former stray adopted by a prosecutor - to pose as a would-be patient while investigating a man who allegedly treated an untold number of pets without a license.
Steven Vassall, 28, was collared last week and charged with unauthorized practice, criminal mischief, attempted petty larceny and other criminal counts, said Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes. He was released on $2,500 bail. A call to Vassall's attorney was not immediately returned.
At a news conference, prosecutors introduced Fred, who sported a tiny badge on his collar as he and his owner, Carol Moran, posed for photos.
"He's pretty easygoing, a real Brooklyn guy," said Moran, one of Hynes's deputies.
Details here from the AP via Findlaw.com.