Four cats poisoned in the same Essex street in the space of three days

Poisoned: Max
RSPCA
Hannah Al-Othman7 October 2015

Four cats have died from suspected poisoning in the same Essex street in just three days.

The RSPCA is appealing for information, following the spate of suspected poisonings in Harwich, and inspectors are warning pet owners in the area to be cautious.

Max, a 17 year-old black and white cat, was found collapsed in an alleyway near Manor Road last Wednesday, September 30.

He was rushed straight to a vet, who said told his owners that he was so unwell he would have to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

The vet said his symptoms were consistent with poisoning.

A 16-year-old tabby cat called Dave was also found collapsed over the road on the same day. He was also rushed to the vet who found he was so ill that he had to be put to euthenised.

The vet carried out blood tests, which found antifreeze in Dave's system.

There have also been reports of at least two other cats belonging to neighbours dying from similar symptoms with a few days of Max and Dave.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Richardson said: “This really is quite an alarming number of cats to die from suspected poisoning in the same area at the same time.

“We are really concerned about what may be causing this - and urge anyone with any information at all to call us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.

“We would also like to ask everyone in the area to keep an eye on their cats’ wellbeing."

She said RSPCA inspectors were keeping an open mind, as the poisonings could be accidental.

“At this stage we do not know for sure if these were accidental incidents or deliberate but in the meantime we would ask for everyone in the area to check where they keep their pesticides and chemicals including antifreeze and make sure it is secure and out of the way of cats," she said.

“People should check their cars for any leaks too. It is possible that people were simply unaware of the different chemicals and substances which can be poisonous to cats.

“Similarly we cannot rule out that this was a deliberate act of cruelty and would ask anyone who has information to this effect to contact us immediately.”

Signs of antifreeze poisoning can be seen as soon as 30 minutes after a cat has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

Cats who have ingested antifreeze may suffer a range of symptoms, including drowsiness, vomiting, seizures and difficulty breathing.

Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offence, which under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, can lead to a sentence of up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to £20,000.

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