Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Kills Beloved Cats in San Francisco’s Mission District
In San Francisco’s Mission District, two separate incidents involving Waymo autonomous vehicles have resulted in the deaths of beloved neighborhood cats, KitKat and another local feline. KitKat, known as the 'Mayor of 16th Street' and a fixture at Randa's Market, was hit and killed late Monday night, allegedly by a Waymo vehicle that did not attempt to stop, according to the store owner and witnesses. The incident has sparked community mourning, with a memorial altar built by neighbors featuring flowers, candles, and personal mementos. KitKat was a 9-year-old stray adopted by the community to control rodents, and he was cherished by residents who remembered him as affectionate and social, often acting as a local security figure. The owner, Mike Zeidan, expressed deep sorrow, describing KitKat as a 'one-of-a-kind' cat who brought joy to many. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle swerve and not slow down before the collision. A complaint filed with the city’s 311 system accused Waymo of not attempting to avoid the cat. The incident continues to fuel debate over the safety and regulation of autonomous vehicles in urban environments. Community reactions have been mixed, with many expressing grief and calling for better protection for street animals. Some critics argue that the city’s reliance on autonomous vehicles poses risks to pedestrians and pets, citing previous incidents involving Waymo and other self-driving cars. Others defended the technology, emphasizing that human drivers also kill animals and that autonomous vehicles are not inherently more dangerous. The community’s response highlights ongoing concerns about autonomous vehicle safety, urban animal welfare, and the need for stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies. Despite the tragedy, residents are coming together to honor KitKat’s memory and advocate for safer streets.
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