Police gave Channel 9 a picture they hope will lead to the person who threw a kitten from a car, killing it.
The cat was thrown toward a group of demonstrators gathering in uptown this weekend.
On Sunday, activists met to show their support for Japan Dolphin Day, which is an effort raise awareness about dolphin slaughter in Japan.
"We were set up right here on the corner," said organizer Bruce Pinckney, who was pointing to the corner of Trade and Tryon streets.
Pinckney said he still can't believe what happened.
"A guy stopped and threw a kitten out into the street in front of us," he said.
"When the kitten impacted the street, its leg broke, it panicked, it ran in like a semicircle and was in obvious extreme pain."
"We immediately ran out and scooped the cat up, and we brought him back up here to this corner. We basically tried to comfort him the best we could," he said.
The kitten was 6-8 weeks old and broke its leg as it landed.
And while event organizers tried to help it, the kitten died about 10 minutes later.
Police said they are trying to use the uptown cameras to track down the car.
Animal Care and Control said the cat did not have a microchip or any ID tags.
While investigators try to find the person responsible, Pinckney and his group just want to understand why.
"I guess they found it funny, or they got a kick out of watching people who are working (to) try to help animals and deal with the sick and injured which to me, makes it even worse," Pinckney said.
The car police believe is involved is a newer-model silver or pearl Hyundai Sonata with tinted windows.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
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