Adorable cross-eyed cat called Pepper is EVICTED from Texas library where she lived after local complained

Daily Mail​

01-05-2025

An adorable eight-month-old stray kitten was evicted from the Texas library that sheltered her after a fuming local complained.
The tiny feline named Pepper was kicked out of the Pioneer Memorial Library in Fredericksburg on April 15, reported KENS 5.
Pepper had been residing at the library for an undisclosed amount of time when she was discovered by furious locals who did not want her there.
Community members in a private local Facebook group questioned why a publicly funded library would keep an animal that could trigger patrons' allergies, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
The decision to evict the colorful and seemingly cross-eyed kitty out sparked fierce backlash from animal lovers and thousands signed a petition to get her to stay.
'Pepper, a beloved rescue cat, has brought joy and comfort to Pioneer Memorial Library goers,' one Change.org petition with over 9,000 signatures said.
'Pepper is not just a cat; she's become an essential part of our community. She provides companionship to library goers, fosters a welcoming environment, and encourages younger visitors to engage with the library.'
Despite her supporters' objections, Pepper was officially evicted from the library in a closed door meeting by the Gillespie County Commissioners Court.
Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones told the local news station that library personnel should have sought 'consent' from county leaders before bringing in an animal.
'Regrettably, the presence of the cat in the County Library has now become a divisive issue, pitting members of our community against one another,' Jones said.
'This situation is also now taking away focus and resources from the other important work of conducting the business of the people of Gillespie County.'
The Hill Country SPCA was able to take in Pepper and put the young domestic shorthair up for adoption.
'Once in a quiet corner of the Fredericksburg Public Library, nestled between novels and non-fiction, a small, calico shadow was once stealing hearts one purr at a time,' the shelter said.
'Pepper has become a familiar (and furry) face to local patrons, often found curled up in sunny reading nooks or gently nuzzling visitors for affection.
'Described by library staff as 'docile, affectionate, and truly stunning', she's the kind of companion who doesn't need to meow loudly to make her presence known—her charm speaks for itself.'
Not long after, Pepper was adopted by Kristen Nelson, her husband, their two daughters and two cats.
'She's super special and precious,' Nelson said. 'I anticipated she would hide and be skittish but she came in ready to play and explore.'
Pepper's new owners said they plan on making a social media account to document her new life.
'While I know many of us wish that Pepper would have been allowed to stay at the library, please know we will take the best care of her and are hopeful to have her remain a fixture in our community,' Nelson said.