San Francisco Mourns Beloved 'Mayor of 16th Street'
The internet and a close-knit San Francisco community are united in grief and anger following the tragic death of a neighbourhood icon. KitKat, a beloved bodega cat cherished for his friendly charm and adorable smile, was run over and killed by a driverless Waymo taxi, sending shockwaves through the city and beyond.
A Community in Mourning and a Company's Response
Lovingly known as the "Mayor of 16th Street", KitKat was a regular and welcoming presence at local joints and delis. The unsuspecting feline was struck by the autonomous vehicle a few days ago. He was rushed to a nearby veterinary hospital but was, tragically, declared dead.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, the entire neighbourhood came together to mourn their loss. Residents built memorial shrines and gathered to support one another, sharing in their communal grief. The tragedy has also sparked a crucial conversation about the safety of stray animals with the increasing presence of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
The robotaxi company, Waymo, acknowledged the incident and took responsibility. In a statement to Rolling Stone, they said, "We reviewed this, and while our vehicle was stopped to pick up passengers, a nearby cat darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away." The company extended its deepest sympathies to the cat's owner and the community and confirmed it made a donation to a local animal rights organization in KitKat's honour. However, they declined to disclose the donation amount or the specific organization that received it.
Broader Implications and Tips for Stray Cat Care
While KitKat's death has fueled existing anti-AI sentiment, it highlights a universal problem: stray animal fatalities are a persistent issue, regardless of whether a car is operated by a human or technology.
In light of the event, pet nutritionist Anjali Kalachand shared some essential tips for caring for community cats:
- Offer meals in a quiet, safe area, preferring wet food over dry to aid hydration.
- Prioritize population control through spaying and neutering, as cats reproduce rapidly.
- Ensure spayed or neutered cats have their ears clipped for identification.
- Provide simple shelters like boxes for sleeping.
- Consider adoption for friendly cats, but assess their independence first.
- Give special care to kittens with lower immunity and find them homes after weaning.
