ACS investigates after kitten in crate thrown off Southtown bridge into San Antonio River, drowns

Person sped off after tossing crate from Arsenal bridge

SAN ANTONIO – Animal Care Services has opened an investigation after a person was seen throwing a crate with a three-month-old kitten inside off the Arsenal bridge in late September.

A witness who was feeding birds in the area told authorities they saw a person toss a purple soft-sided crate into the San Antonio River from the 400 block of E. Arsenal St. and speed off in a vehicle.

The crate was retrieved from the river, but the black, short-haired female kitten had already died.

The crate appeared to be new and had no identifying labels, according to ACS.

Investigators found paper towels and a 2020 San Antonio coupon book inside the crate.

ACS is asking anyone with information to call 311 and ask to speak with animal cruelty investigators.

News of a cat killing left people south of downtown who heard about the news in shock and disgust. For Houston and Emily carpenter, it was difficult hearing what investigators said happened just blocks from their home.

“Not good, not good,” the couple said.

“That’s terrible. We live just down the street, so were totally against anything like that. We hope that person is found,” Houston Carpenter said.

ACS is investigating after a crate with a kitten inside of it was thrown off the Aresnal bridge in San Antonio in late September 2020. Investigators found the dead kitten with a 2020 San Antonio coupon book inside. (ACS)
ACS is investigating after a crate with a kitten inside of it was thrown off the Aresnal bridge in San Antonio in late September 2020. Investigators found the dead kitten with a 2020 San Antonio coupon book inside. (ACS)

About the Authors:

Rebecca Salinas is an award-winning digital journalist who joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.