Official resigns after throwing cat during work meeting on Zoom
Authorities have launched an investigation after a California planning official threw his cat during an online meeting with colleagues.
Chris Platzer was in a Zoom video conference on 20 April when he held the animal up and said: “First I’d just like to introduce my cat.”
He then threw it roughly to the side as it squealed and could be heard landing with a thud.
Mr Platzer resigned from the Vallejo planning commission on Monday following angry reaction to the video.
He was also seen drinking alcohol and swearing during the chat, according to The Vallejo Times-Herald.
“I did not conduct myself in the Zoom meeting in a manner befitting of a planning commissioner and apologise for any harm I may have inflicted,” Mr Platzer said in his resignation letter.
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A statement from local government officials said the former planning officer was “seen exhibiting behaviour that does not model the core values of the city of Vallejo”.
It said “many concerned citizens have reached out” over the cat’s welfare and that Solano County Sheriff’s Office was starting an animal welfare investigation.
Animal groups have told local media they will give the cat a “loving home” if it is taken away from Mr Platzer.
