3-month old kitten returned safely to adoption center in DC

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Three days after her disappearance from the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League, three-month old kitten Princess Jazzy is back safely in the caring hands of staff.

"We are thrilled that Princess Jazzy is back with us safely thanks to the swift actions of the Metropolitan Police Department and alert WHS/WARL staff," said Lisa LaFontaine, WHS/WARL President & CEO. "This case is another example of how we will do everything possible to protect the animals in our community, regardless of their size, species or age. We are especially relieved because Princess Jazzy was under medical treatment prior to the theft and she will now continue to get the care she needs as she awaits adoption into a responsible and loving home."

The 3-month-old kitten was stolen by a person from the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League Adoption Center over the weekend.

According to police, the suspect entered the adoption center located in the 1200 block of New York Avenue in Northeast D.C. at around 5:40 p.m. with two children asking to see cats. The suspect got to see a brown female tabby kitten named Princess Jazzy. While the staff was assisting other customers, the suspect walked out with the kitten and fled the area.

"It is hard to believe that someone would commit such a crime," said Scott Giacoppo, chief community welfare officer for the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League. "In addition to breaking the law, they have put this kitten's health in jeopardy by circumventing our easy adoption process, and denying the kitten needed medical care."

Staff members on duty Saturday were able to record a license plate number from a vehicle leaving the Adoption Center shortly after the kitten was reported missing. The Metropolitan Police Department tracked down Princess Jazzy with the license plate information and returned the kitten to the New York Avenue Adoption Center.

The incident remains under investigation.