Undercover kitten, yo

NEW YORK Feb 8, 2006 (AP)— A college student who allegedly deceived pet owners by pretending to be a veterinarian was collared after authorities used an undercover kitten posing as a would-be patient.

Steven Vassall, 28, was arrested last week and charged with treating an untold number of pets without a license, authorities said Wednesday. He was released on $2,500 bail.

Fred, a former stray kitten taken in by prosecutor Carol Moran, went undercover last week.

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

An investigator posing as Fred's owner summoned Vassall to an apartment rigged with a hidden camera. Authorities said Vassall told an investigator the kitten could be neutered for $135.

Vassall was arrested after he left the apartment with Fred in a box and the cash.

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.

A call to Vassall's attorney was not immediately returned.