NEW YORK – When the officers who work at a New York police station discovered an abandoned kitten on their doorstep, they could have taken him to their local animal shelter. Instead, however, they decided to take him in as one of their own. And now Martin is the official precinct mascot (and unofficial morale booster) of the entire New York Police Department’s 60th Precinct.
Today, the 6-month-old kitty is absolutely living the high life that includes treats, toys, and snuggles in abundance.
However, his future was not that certain just a few months ago. One day, the tabby cat was abandoned on the doorstep of the NYPD’s Coney Island office. Fortunately for the poor kitty, the officers instantly fell in love, and rather than turn him over to a shelter, they petitioned their boss to adopt him as a pet for the whole precinct.
Look who will be spending the holidays with us! Welcome to the "60" family Martin #furrychristmas @NYPDPaws pic.twitter.com/Ncx7lmBMJq
— NYPD 60th Precinct (@NYPD60Pct) December 18, 2016
Officer Martin D. Costanza, who became the cat’s namesake, was the one who led the charge to adopt the kitten. Costanza and his fellow officers put the request in with Deputy Inspector William Taylor, the New York Post reported. Taylor, who is a self-described animal lover, agreed under one condition: Someone else needed to be in charge of the litter box.
Fans want 2 make donations for Martin, looking to donate? Try animal rescue of your choice Martin has already been rescued by his 60 family pic.twitter.com/K1XP6qzUWn
— NYPD 60th Precinct (@NYPD60Pct) February 28, 2017
Taylor even agreed to pay for Martin’s food and treats and some of the other officers pooled their funds to pay for their new kitty’s shots, neutering and microchipping. Throughout the station, Martin has various baskets for napping, multiple food stations and plenty of toys. He also now has a large, admiring fan club of officers and visitors who can’t wait to give him a pet or a snuggle.
In my absence "Martin" is called upon to make the heavy decisions #COfortheday #Martintakesoverconeyisland pic.twitter.com/YH44XWhSZU
— NYPD 60th Precinct (@NYPD60Pct) January 11, 2017
Since word of his adoption has some to the public’s attention, the precinct has been inundated with offers for donations and other requests to help. However, the officers want Martin’s fans to know that all of his needs are being met and that donations should be sent to the local animal shelter.
According to Taylor, Martin shows up at roll call each and every morning to “inspect” the officers and spread a little joy.
“He has the run of the precinct,” Taylor told the New York Post.
“He took control of the place right away.”
Photo credits: Photo: New York City Alerts/Twitter │ Via: www.mnn.com
