Award for crime-busting cat

A crime-fighting cat whose role in an undercover operation helped police catch an alleged bogus vet has been given a special award for his work.

Fred, a former stray, lined up with 20 police, fire and court officers being recognised for heroic acts to get his law-enforcement appreciation plaque from Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes.

The 11-month-old feline hit the headlines in February after posing as a would-be patient to help arrest Steven Vassall, who had allegedly performed a botched operation on a dog, Burt the Boston terrier.

Vassall, 28, was called to an apartment rigged up with a hidden camera where he was to pick up Fred to neuter him.

While there, authorities claim, he was caught on tape telling an investigator posing as Fred’s owner he could do the operation for $135 (€105.30).

As soon as he walked away from the house carrying the cat in a box and the cash, he was arrested.

Vassall is charged with treating pets without a licence.

Mr Hynes said the award winners exemplified the best in law enforcement.

“They go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of the citizens of Brooklyn,” he added.