In an act of kindness, a cat rescue nonprofit based in the state of New York, is willing to offer $1,500 in exchange for the safe return of an abducted kitten. The kitten, Sprout, was taken from a busy Petco Love adoption event in Manhattan over the weekend. Fabulous Feline, a 501(c)(3), is determined to find Sprout and bring her back home.
According to local PIX11, Pat Irizarry attended the adoption event in Union Square with her partner. All her cats were securely locked in cages, so Irizarry did not realize what had happened until two witnesses pointed it out to her. Someone had cut the ties and took Sprout out from her cage. It was only then that a witness had taken a photo of the so-called cat-napper, which is on the organization’s Facebook page. Irizarry also filed a police report with the NYPD.
“It all happened so fast that I didn’t even realize it happened,” held Irizarry. She also added that this was heartbreaking and only worsened when considering the fact that Sprout had been hand-fed. It can be recalled that Sprout is one of two kittens that survived from a litter of three. The other one was stillborn.
The Fabulous Feline had started a GoFundMe campaign recently in an effort to ease some of the burden of rescuing cats. Irizarry, who runs the nonprofit, has made it known that she shoulders many, if not most of, the expenses and relies mostly on donations. With her free time, she tries to help with the adoption process.
The cat adoption fees for The Fabulous Feline’s cats range from $125 to $200. All cats are microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered for the kitten’s welfare. Irizarry made it clear that if the perpetrator is listening, all he or she needs to do is bring Sprout back and walk away with the prize money. In her words: “I’ll meet you in a secure location, no cameras, no questions. I’ll verify it’s my kitten, and you can take the money.”
It can be remembered that many events and campaigns are happening nationwide to reduce the burden on shelters and to help rescue many helpless animals as they can. In LA, for example, many film personnel volunteer to foster cats and dogs in their free time, taking care of them and preparing them for adoption.
It is, therefore, helpful to remember the best practices during such events to reduce chance occurrences of cat-napping. Attendees should always be on the lookout, stay aware of their surroundings, and report anyone with any suspicious behavior. It is best to keep cats in corrals to refrain from situations where abductions can happen.
According to the organization, The Fabulous Feline has many volunteers to aid them in their efforts, and they are continually looking for more. Since the pandemic began, cat abductions and surrenders have dramatically skyrocketed.
As the search for Sprout continues, it is a wonder why anyone would risk abducting a helpless kitten from the adoption event. The knowledge that the Fabulous Feline is predominantly supported by donations and out of pocket money must further broaden the concern and effort to find Sprout and ensure that she is safe.
This highlights the importance of raising awareness and collaborating with local animal charities and organizations in rescuing neglected animalsnationwide. The abandonment of animals has been increasing, and it is vital to continue conversations on how community efforts could help reduce the urgency and welfare concern of these lovely creatures.
“Had you told me you could not afford the adoption fee, I would’ve gladly walked you through the process of how to obtain an animal for free,” said Irizarry. Indeed, many programs exist, including fostering or sponsoring animals’ adoptions.
It is essential to raise awareness and educate the public about the costs of rescuing neglected animals and the importance of properly taking care of their welfare. Such efforts will bring forth a better understanding of the plight of animals who often would still go unadopted without the diligent work of organizations like The Fabulous Feline.
It is important to recall that the non-profit is resolute in bringing back Sprout, and that is ultimately their primary goal. The reward money, while sizable, is a secondary motivator to ensure the kitten’s safety and successful return.
In conclusion, cats and kittens are best left in the safety of cat corrals during such adoption events to reduce the possibility of a potential cat-napping. Irizarry offers the abductor of Sprout a deal where they simply need to return the kitten and collect the reward with no questions asked. The incident further highlights the importance of community initiatives and the concerns raised with the increase in animal abandonment.
Lastly, it is a matter of considerable importance to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of rescuing animals in need and adopting these abandoned creatures. Bringing forth a better understanding of the rationale behind such activities can help animals like Sprout to avoid the dreadful fate of neglect at the expense of their welfare.