Minneapolis Councilman Says Waymo Cars Are Killing Cats

Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez told colleagues autonomous vehicles have killed cats in the city, urging support for an ordinance requiring human operators in self-driving cars, according to the New York Post.

What did Chavez tell the council about cats and Waymo vehicles?

During an Oct. 1 hearing, Chavez said he had watched video of a cat killed by one of the vehicles, the Post reported. "I have a cat. I don't want my cat getting killed because of these autonomous vehicles," he said, per the outlet.

"I just watched a video sitting here from the dais, and it was really hard to watch. Literally, cats being murdered by these vehicles."

Chavez added: "So, to those cat lovers out there, just know that these Waymo vehicles, these autonomous vehicles have killed cats and that's unfair."

What would the ordinance require of autonomous vehicles?

The measure, which narrowly passed the council Thursday, Oct. 1, would mandate a human operator and a special license for all autonomous vehicles operating in Minneapolis, according to the Post.

Why does Mayor Frey oppose the measure?

Mayor Jacob Frey said he plans to veto the ordinance, telling Minnesota outlets it "doesn't make sense" and that the city intends to keep embracing "innovative technology," including transportation options, the Post reported. Frey acknowledged safety concerns raised by council members but said he would not support what he called a "backdoor ban" of the vehicles, according to the outlet.

How are supporters and critics divided on the policy?

Supporters of the human-operator requirement argue it is needed to address safety risks and protect jobs threatened by driverless taxi services, the Post reported. Opponents counter that mandating a human operator would effectively end autonomous taxi service in the city and push fares higher, according to the outlet. Waymo vehicles, identifiable by rooftop sensors and empty driver's seats, have become a more common sight in Minneapolis, the Post noted.

What happens next for the ordinance?

The ordinance's fate is unresolved. Frey has signaled he will veto it once it reaches his desk, and the Post reported the measure's future "remains uncertain." Chavez's remarks drew mockery on social media, with users seizing on his warning to "hide your cats," according to the outlet. No timeline for a veto vote or override attempt was reported.

The dispute places Minneapolis in a small group of cities weighing local limits on autonomous vehicle operators as the technology expands into more markets. No city data on cat or pet deaths involving autonomous vehicles was cited in the council proceedings reported by the Post.