Were our pet cats poisoned to death?
A family has been left heartbroken after three of their cats died from suspected poisoning.
Jim Waring, of Southfield Road, Broughton, lost two of his cats within 24 hours, followed by the third, which died two months later.
He said: "The whole family is devastated. All three cats were treasured family pets."
Mr Waring and the RSPCA are now urging people to be on their guard and keep a close eye on their pets, while hoping someone will come forward with information.
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He said his first cat, Oscar, who was only 11 months old, was found dead in the family's garden at the end of March.
Mr Waring said: "Oscar was a lovely little thing and was part of the family."
During the same day, another of his cats, Jack, who was 10, was found outside lying and wriggling in pain, displaying poisoning symptoms. He died in Mr Waring's arms.
He said: "Jack never wandered far, he was lovely.
"The whole thing has been awful and my youngest daughter Emma, who is eight, is traumatised. She is still struggling to sleep at night.
"We don't feel safe in our own garden anymore and have even considered moving house."
Both cats were buried and the family suspected they had died as a result of poisoning.
Then on May 9, aother of the family's cats, Tinkerbell, was also found fitting in the garden and died in the arms of Mr Waring's son, Bradley.
Vets suspected Tinkerbell died of antifreeze poisoning.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering face a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison. After ingesting antifreeze, cats can suffer symptoms including vomiting, seizures, appearing drunk and sleepy and an increased breathing rate.
The RSPCA said owners should contact a vet immediately if they suspect their pet may have been in contact with the chemical.
Mr Waring said: "It is absolutely devastating to watch an animal die in your arms.
"It is just horrendous and this has really broken my family's heart.
"We will not get any more cats for fear that it could happen to them.
"We hope that anyone with information regarding this will contact the RSPCA."
A spokesman for the RSPCA said the organisation was investigating this incident and asked anyone with information to call 0300 1234 999.
Comments
by Sister_Wendy
Tuesday, June 12 2012, 3:59PM
“Oh dear, I posted a leaflet on hear that was recommended by the RSPCA with a list of common cat poisons, symptoms and emergency treatment.
I think it's gone to Jobsworth corner, I hope it comes back.”
by happychappy62
Tuesday, June 12 2012, 2:39PM
“rafan = tool”
by ScunnyRFCfan
Tuesday, June 12 2012, 12:39PM
“this is a terrible story!
I think more needs to be done to find out why so many pets are being poisoned, i know of 3 dogs and a few cats that this has happened to recently in scunthorpe, and they were told by the vet if you want to find out what happened you need to pay.
I do think some of the views on here are terrible!, im sure if it was your pet or a dog you wouldn't feel the same.
I hope they can put and end to this as too many pets have been killed!”
by Frogsquasher
Tuesday, June 12 2012, 6:28AM
“So is the general concensus by the pro cat brigade.......
"Suck it up and deal with it without moaning because lifes not perfect"”
by teabagteabag
Monday, June 11 2012, 5:46PM
“Wonder why the owners aren't being prosecuted, they allowed their cat to come into contact with harmful chemicals and suffer uneccessary pain and suffering. In fact they did this three times. A good reason not to donate to the RSPCA, more bothered about headlines than animals.”
by rafan
Monday, June 11 2012, 5:33PM
“Have tried all the cat deterrents out none of them work, what other vermin control is there ?”
by Paranoid61
Monday, June 11 2012, 2:36PM
“LOM forgot to say nice picture of the Labrador . Here's my suggestion to stop cats from straying and doing damage don't kick them out at night as i am sure you don't with your dog if you have one . Make them wear a lead and be accompanied as a dog has to be and maybe then we could have a solution . If you still feel it's ok for cats to roam and do as they please then collect them all up and keep them around your house .”
by Paranoid61
Monday, June 11 2012, 2:17PM
“LOM You have to accept the fact cats are terrible pets . The pro brigade are the ones who will not take into consideration the damage their cats do ," because they are wild "so that makes it fine ,but does nothing to endear cats to those who like myself see them as a pest . You rightly point out life isn't perr fect when there are so many bad thing happening in the world and i am sure if the Syrian govt were to hurt a cat we would be the first in .”
by Little_old_me
Monday, June 11 2012, 1:20PM
“Great generalisation there Paranoid. All cat owners are strange? So does that count for the millions of young, happy families that keep them as beloved domestic pets? I think you've got the old 'cat lady' spinster stereotype a bit too firmly lodged in your brain.
Frogsqausher, if your attitude to everything in life that ****es you off is 'why should i put up with it?' then you really are banging your head against a brick wall. You shouldn't have to put up with it, just like society shouldn't have to put up with crime or terminal disease or anything else that annoys or offends us. But life isn't perfect and these things happen. I'm sorry that your life is so blighted by cats pooing in your garden, but there are plenty of humane ways to stop this and if you refuse to do so then you're not helping yourself and really have no right to complain.
I really would love to know how the anti-cat brigade suggest that cat owners can do anything more to stop their cats straying? I can't believe there seem to be so many people who think that killing innocent animals is normal and acceptable.”
by Paranoid61
Monday, June 11 2012, 12:13PM
“Frogsquasher you are banging your head against a brick wall. We live in a country where Pudsey won BGT Lets face it cat owners are usually as strange as the awful things they keep. Make cat owners responsible for their cats actions then lets see the real moggie lovers . The argument that cats are wild is rubbish they are domesticated to the point where many could not survive with out a belly full of cheap cat food and the ones that could survive by killing its own food .i.e. rats and other vermin not only would they be welcome to pooh in my garden i would make sure they had a paper to read whilst they did it.”