Who would steal a cat from an adoption event? It’s bizarre but something we’ve seen many times. Strange behavior may be expected rescuing kitties, but don’t you know it’s often the humans involved?
This time, rescuer John Debacker shared that somebody stole a cute tabby cat named Sprout from a PETCOLove adoption event in Union Square, Manhattan. The details are a shock, but fortunately for all, her days of sprouting are just beginning. In short: The NYPD tracked down the cat and returned her to the rescuers.
Sprout as a foster kitten. Image via Instagram/ The Fabulous Feline Inc.
We’ve previously shared stories about Debacker’s heroic cat rescues from all sorts of dangers in the Long Island area. So, we automatically know he and his fellow rescuers from The Fabulous Feline Inc. did all they could to return the stolen cat to safety too! The alleged catnapper probably had no idea that Sprout was microchipped or that there would be a significant reward offered. Much less would they expect that the story would end up in local and national news!
Sprout and Sprite the kittens rescued and fostered via Instagram/The Fabulous Feline Inc.
Stolen from NYC Adoption Event
On June 4, the 4-month-old Sprout was snatched from the adoption event in broad daylight, as shared by PIX11, which confirmed a police report from the 13th Precinct.
Fabulous Feline Inc shared that the cage was locked, but an accomplice allegedly distracted them while the woman broke the lock, shoving Sprout into a bag and running into the crowd after a chase. But somebody got a picture, which we won’t share here.
“It all happened so fast that I didn’t even realize it happened,” said Pat Irizarry of The Fabulous Feline. “It wasn’t until two witnesses told me that I realized our kitten was stolen; someone had cut the zip ties and removed it from the cage.”
A Devastated Foster Mom
The event was a large one with multiple nonprofits involved. But two witnesses informed Irizarry that a woman had allegedly stolen Sprout. Irizarry had fostered Sprout as a kitten and was completely devastated.
“I was so upset, I wasn’t in the right state of mind. Sprout was only 4 months old, and I had hand fed that kitten and watched over it,” Irizarry told PIX11 News in a phone interview Tuesday. “She was born from a litter of three kittens and only two survived; one of her siblings was stillborn.”
A reward for the feline’s safe return with no questions asked climbed from $1,500 to $3,300. Meanwhile, the adoption fee would have been from $125-200. Considering all the time, care, and veterinary expenses for each cat or kitten, rescuers take a big loss. And they certainly don’t want to see their babies catnapped in broad daylight no less. But as noted, this story has a happy ending.
The Return of Sprout
And now for the happy news: Sprout was discovered and came back to her rescuers after 17 days. The NYPD 13th Precinct delivered her home, and she was happy to return to her brother Sprite. She will now find a loving home that deserves her companionship.
“Welcome home, Sprout, where now you will find a caring home. To adopt Sprout, remember to fill out an adoption application through The Fabulous Feline Inc. and do it the right way!” Debacker shared.
You can follow The Fabulous Feline Inc. on Facebook and Instagram.
The Fabulous Feline Inc shares that Sprout is safe.
