Mystery poisoner kills 30 pet cats with anti-freeze
A SERIAL killer is feared to be on the prowl again after 30 cats were found dead in the same village.
They all died from poisoning and the latest victim, four-year-old tomcat Marbles, had consumed a toxic chemical found in antifreeze.
His distraught owner, Emma Guy, who lives in Stogursey, near Bridgwater, Somerset, said she watched her beloved pet fall seriously ill after ingesting the deadly toxic substance.
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She said: “He was left paralysed and vomited green stomach acid before dying of kidney failure.” A post-mortem revealed the cat died of ethylene glycol poisoning – the chemical found in antifreeze. Marbles was only four years old and had so much life left in him,” said Emma.
“He was absolutely beautiful. He was different from others cats, he was something special. I want to do whatever I can to prevent this happening again.” Animal welfare officers believe the same culprit could be responsible for the recent cat deaths and others two years ago.
In 2008 around 18 cats were killed after ingesting antifreeze in nearby Bridgwater. They included ginger tomcat Tigger, owned by Lisa and Danny Nicholls. Yesterday Emma said a nine-month-old male cat was put down earlier this year after he developed kidney failure – consistent with antifreeze poisoning.
Another Stogursey resident said: “I’ve been told by lots of people recently that their cats have suddenly dropped dead. People say as many as 30 cats have been killed. They tell me this cat has died and so-and-so has died. Then another cat will have died. They put it down to anti-freeze poisoning because there’s nothing wrong with the cats before. And that is a lot of cats to suddenly just die.”
Another resident said he believes an animal hater has been targeting cats in the village throughout the year. He said: “Someone I work with said her cat had been sprayed with aerosol glue about six months ago. She didn’t report it but thought it was a bit suspicious and now cats are dying again.”
Some of the symptoms include vomiting, appearing depressed, sleepy or drunk, seizures, difficulty breathing, increased thirst, and increased urinating. RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel said: “Until we find the source of the poison, we cannot rule out the possibility that this was a deliberate attempt to harm an animal.
“I would urge anyone who has any relevant information to get in touch with the RSPCA so we can prevent more suffering.”
Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a six-month jail sentence and a £20,000 fine.
