RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a cat owner has seen three of his animals die of poisoning in the last two months.
The owner, who lives in Mill Close, Caerphilly town, has reported that two of his cats died within a day of each other on October 8 and 9.
Veterinary examinations conducted on both animals suggest that they had ingested antifreeze.
The chemical ethylene glycol, found in some household brands of antifreeze, has potentially lethal consequences when ingested by cats.
Cats enjoy the taste of this ingredient but can soon suffer agonising deaths if they eat or drink it.
RSPCA Inspector Sophie Daniels said: “We urgently need more information about these poisonings. 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.”
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.
http://www.antifreeze-kills.co.uk/do-something.html
Antifreeze preparations (including screen washes) contain a substance
called Ethylene Glycol (EG) that is highly toxic and kills 10,000’s of
domestic pets every year. People have had their food and drink spiked
with it with the intent of causing death. Drinks in nightclubs have been
spiked with it. There are people who soak food in antifreeze and leave
it out to deliberately poison dogs out on walks or cats in gardens. This
has also been used to kill foxes and badgers. Children have died from
ingesting antifreeze. Because it tastes so sweet, it can easily be
hidden in food and drink. Accidental spills do occur, just a teaspoon is
enough to kill a cat, a tablespoon will kill a dog. If it didn’t taste
sweet, animals wouldn’t lick from spills. We want a bittering agent
(Bitrex) added to ALL antifreeze preparations. 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