The RSPCA is appealing for information after a spate of cat poisonings in Caerphilly County Borough.
RSPCA officers have been told of three separate addresses where at least three cats have died of antifreeze poisoning with another six cats reported to have died of the same cause.
On Saturday March 2, a Trethomas cat was put to sleep after high levels of ethylene glycol were found in her urine. The veterinary surgery reported that three other cats in the area had also been put to sleep as a result of antifreeze poisoning in recent weeks.
On Thursday February 28, a cat in Blaen Ifor, Penyrheol, was taken to the vet who diagnosed kidney failure caused by antifreeze poisoning.
She believes that five other cats have also been fatally poisoned in the area during the past six months.
On Monday March 4, another cat in Blaen Ifor was put to sleep after losing the power to walk. The vet diagnosed antifreeze poisoning.
Again a neighbour reported that her cat had also died recently of the same cause and said a number of other cats in the area had also suffered the same fate.
On Sunday February 24, a cat was fatally poisoned in Bargoed. The animal was found crying loudly and staggering at an address in Lewis Crescent. The owners took the grey female cat to a veterinary surgery in Newport and they confirmed that she was suffering from antifreeze poisoning. The animal was put to sleep by a vet.
RSPCA inspector Emma Smith said: “We urgently need more information about these incidents. There may be an innocent explanation but we are concerned that someone is deliberately causing suffering to cats and other animals in the locality.
“We would also ask perpetrators to be aware that deliberate poisoning using antifreeze could mean a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison under the Animal Welfare Act.
“Owners should be vigilant and contact a vet immediately if they suspect that their pet may have been in contact with the chemical or if they see any warning signs or symptoms. The sooner the animal is treated, the better their chances of surviving.”
The recent spate
If anyone has any information about this incident or any related incidents in the area, they are urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999. Calls will be treated in confidence.
I sincerely hope they catch these cruel B******S. my cat was poisoned and it was horrific seeing him die the way he did. this is deliberate I think in most instances with perhaps the odd rare accident. Even if you dont like animals there is no excuse for this.
Every year, more than 10,000 animals die from antifreeze poisoning in
the UK. The active ingredient, ethylene glycol, tastes sweet and is
appealing to animals and humans alike. It only takes a tiny amount to
kill an animal (just one teaspoon will kill a cat) and it will cause a
slow and agonising death. In other countries including America &
Canada legislation has been brought about to ensure that a bittering
agent is added in the production of antifreeze to make this product
safe. I strongly feel that here in the UK we should introduce the same
legislation. Please join us, spread awareness & help save lives. Share far & wide, we are on facebook & twitter. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bluedeathorguk/?ref=bookmarks
Please sign the petition & write to your local MP. Letter templates available for download & copy & pasting for emails are here http://www.antifreeze-kills.co.uk/do-something.html When signing this petition, please indicate in your comments if you have
lost a pet or have been a victim of antifreeze poisoning. Thank you
Petition is https://www.change.org/p/uk-eu-parliaments-law-defra-ban-all-antifreeze-preparations-unless-they-contain-a-bitterant?utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=34079333
USA – The Humane Society Legislative Fund and Consumer
Specialty Products Association jointly announce an agreement to
voluntarily add a bitter flavoring agent to antifreeze and engine
coolant manufactured for sale for the consumer market in all 50 states
and the District of Columbia to prevent animals and children from being
poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid. Poisoning occurs because animals
are attracted to the sweetness of antifreeze and engine coolant. After years of battling over legislation addressing this important
issue, the manufacturers of antifreeze and engine coolant have been
working with animal advocates to pass state laws with mutually-agreed on
language. Now, the Humane Society Legislative Fund applauds them for
taking this important step to help protect our pets, kids and wildlife
in every state.