Woman Pays $50,000 for 'Cloned' Cat |
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Friday, 07 January 2005 |
A woman from San Francisco, California pays $50,000 for 'cloned' cat
SAN FRANCISCO, California - The pioneering genetics lab First National
Genetic Bank has sold the first commercially available cloned cat.
"He's just beautiful, exactly like my beloved Nicky," said Julie, the
beaming new owner, who asked to remain anonymous, "Exactly. Almost
perfectly the same. Very much like Nicky. Sort of." FNGB uses a secret
new cloning technique involving stray cats. "Our patent is pending,"
explained FNGB President Larry House, "So we can't discuss the
specifics. But there's no arguing about our client's happiness."
Side by side examination of photos of the cloned kitten and
her now deceased genetic forebear show little resemblance. "That has
been shown to be normal," explained House, "As the distinctive markings
of the calico are formed during the fetal development phase. Even
identical twin cats will vary greatly in their appearance. But what's
really important is what's inside."
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"I think this is a clear case of fraud."
-- San Francisco District Attorney
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"The troubling aspect of this is that Nicky was in fact a Siamese
cat," explained Julie's husband, "I could be wrong, but I would expect
a clone to at least be of the same species. But if it keeps her
happy..."
"Cloning is a very new science," said House stiffly, when
asked about the apparent species difference, "It is unknown at this
time whether the species is a genetic aspect, or is more of an acquired
characteristic, like the markings. But I assure you that Little Nicky
was lovingly formulated in our labs. I can show doubters the very test
tube where she was conceived."
The San Francisco District Attorney is not convinced. "I think
this is a clear case of fraud. Unfortunately the lady is so happy to
have her dear Fluffy or whatever it was 'back', there's no talking to
her," he said, exasperated, "Without her cooperation, we can't shut
these guys down. My lab showed her that the kitten she bought can be
traced to a shelter. We showed her pictures. And of course, cloning
doesn't involve 'conception' or 'test tubes', so these guys clearly
don't even know what they're talking about. But until somebody sways
her, we got nothin'."
"Like I said, she's happy," explained Julie's husband, sighing, "And if she's happy, I'm happy. Fifty grand well spent."
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