Delivery Driver Caught on Camera Throwing Package at Cat

A delivery driver in Virginia was recorded on a home security camera throwing a package at a black cat, which was resting on its owner's front porch. The incident, which occurred Sunday afternoon, was captured by a Ring camera belonging to Isabell Sump.

The footage shows the unidentified driver approaching the porch with a package. As the driver got closer to the cat, identified as Opie, the driver appeared to lunge forward and hurl the package, striking the animal. Opie immediately jumped up and fled. The driver then appeared to smirk before taking two photographs of the home, presumably as proof of delivery.

Sump expressed her anger and bewilderment over the incident, stating that Opie is typically a carefree cat who does not bother anyone. Following the event, Opie was observed limping and behaving skittishly, according to Sump. She noted that while she was upset, she wasn't entirely surprised due to the proximity to Halloween and common superstitions surrounding black cats.

Sump stated her intention to pursue criminal charges against the driver once identified and that she plans to open an investigation into the incident. She reported that the delivery company, GOFO, is investigating, but she has received repeated assurances of an ongoing investigation without further resolution.

Following online backlash after the video circulated, a GOFO delivery driver approached Sump's home and used a translation app to apologize. The driver stated he did not like trouble and certainly not cats, and wished to apologize in person. Sump responded that the driver had no right to harm her animal and should not be throwing packages, especially at an animal.

Police and animal control were called to the scene. Sump requested the driver's information, but no arrests were made. Sump emphasized that if the driver felt uncomfortable with the cat, alternative options existed, such as leaving the package in the yard, and that harming animals is unnecessary. The incident highlights concerns about the treatment of animals during deliveries, particularly during a time when black cats are sometimes subject to increased negative attention.