Sun Street Centers therapy cat thrown from car, SPCA continues search for suspects

The SPCA said it is continuing its investigation into an incident involving a Sun Street Centers therapy cat being thrown from a car on Highway 101.

Officers said the 2000 Honda sedan the SPCA initially described was not involved in the incident. They said the owners of the vehicle cooperated with the investigation, and now the SPCA is continuing to follow other leads.

The SPCA said on Sept. 25 at around 9:18 p.m., a driver was traveling north on Highway 101 near Blackie Road and believed they saw a white cat being thrown onto the highway from another vehicle. Despite efforts, the driver who reported it was not able to avoid hitting the cat and it died.

The cat was named Rambo and was previously owned by Sun Street Centers in Salinas, but went missing two years ago. The SPCA said the cat was identified through a microchip.

“Dealing with addiction and recovery is an emotionally draining experience for men, their families and our staff. The unconditional love, tranquility and joy that a service cat brings to the atmosphere at Sun Street Centers cannot be understated,” said the Sun Street Centers CEO Anna Foglia. “Caring for another living creature is a step in learning to care for yourself in recovery. We all miss Rambo and hope there is some justice in this tragedy.”

The SPCA is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. If caught, whoever is responsible could be charged with permitting animals to go without veterinary care, animal cruelty and abandonment. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPCA at 831-373-2631.

KION 2019