A city council member in Minneapolis sparked a wave of ridicule on social media after advocating for “cat lovers.” He claimed that Waymo’s self-driving cars were harming cats and pushed for a requirement that humans operate these vehicles.
“I can say that cats have been killed, and they’ve been killed by these autonomous vehicles,” Jason Chavez stated during a council meeting. “I own a cat myself. I really don’t want my pet to be in danger because of these technologies.”
He went on to add, “For all the cat lovers out there, you should know that these Waymo cars have indeed killed cats. It’s just not fair.”
Chavez mentioned from the council dais that he had watched a disturbing video showing cats being killed by these vehicles, describing it as “really hard to watch.”
The ordinance in question, which narrowly passed on Thursday, would require a human operator and a specific license for all autonomous vehicles. However, its future is still up in the air.
Mayor Jacob Frey announced his intention to veto the proposal, arguing that it “doesn’t make sense” and that the city should continue to support “innovative technology,” like new transportation methods.
Although he recognized the safety concerns, Frey expressed that he wouldn’t back a move that effectively bans these vehicles.
As Waymo cars equipped with sensors and without passengers become more common, supporters argue that requiring a human operator would effectively eliminate autonomous taxi services and drive prices up, while critics contend that these vehicles pose significant safety risks and could eliminate jobs.
Social media users reacted quickly to Chavez’s comments regarding the danger posed to cats, accusing him of exaggerating the issue and diverting attention from more urgent matters in Minneapolis.
“The Minneapolis City Council is pushing for a human in driverless cars because cats are being ‘murdered’ by them,” tweeted Townhall columnist Dustin Grage. “By the way, this guy makes $110,000 a year.”
Grage continued to poke fun at Chavez in subsequent posts, saying, “They’re calling it the cat genocide,” and “Watch out, your cats are in danger from the Waymos.”
Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman also chimed in, humorously noting, “LOL! MINNEAPOLIS HAS FOUND ITS REAL CRISIS, AND IT’S ROBOT CARS ‘MURDERING’ CATS.”
Eagleman criticized the city’s focus, suggesting they should instead address more significant problems, such as crime and fraud, viewing the situation as indicative of poor leadership.
“A council member in a city that has seen rioters burn down a police precinct and a $250 million fraud scheme happen right under its nose is now asking for a human in every driverless car to protect the cats,” he remarked.
He continued, “Chavez is pulling down $110,000 a year of taxpayer money while saying this with a straight face. Minneapolis doesn’t have a driverless car problem. It has a leadership problem.”
David Marcus, a columnist for Fox News Digital, also weighed in, posting, “They’re driving over the cats, they’re driving over the dogs!”
Another user questioned why a city council member earns $110,000 while families and seniors are being pushed out of their homes in Minneapolis, referring to the situation as “absurd—where’s the equality in that???”
In support of autonomous vehicle safety, journalist Zaid Jilani mentioned his experience in a self-driving Tesla, noting it had stopped for cats. He claimed that Waymo technology is even more advanced.
“My FSD Tesla avoids animals on the road. He is way off base,” stated Sean Stapleton, the CEO of Dealer Teamwork.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach Chavez for further comments.
