Cat killer is on the loose after four pets are fatally poisoned with antifreeze in the same Derbyshire street
- Four cats all died less than week apart in the same street in Derbyshire last week
- RSPCA investigation launched after the pets died in Patina Way in Swadlincote
- Vets who ran tests on the animals believe they were poisoned with antifreeze
A sick cat killer is feared to be on the loose after four pets were all poisoned with antifreeze in the same street in Derbyshire.
The RSPCA has subsequently launched an investigation after all four of the animals died less than a week apart, between Thursday and Sunday last week.
Cats Benji, two, Pixie, seven, Rupert, eight, and 12-year-old Syclla all died from suspected antifreeze poisoning.
Rupert, eight, (left) and Pixie, seven, (right) both died from suspected antifreeze poisoning last week
All four of the cats, including Benji, two, (left) and Syclla, 12, (right), were rushed to the vets after they fell ill
The cats belonged to three separate families living on Patina Way in Swadlincote, Derbys.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Beth Boyd has launched an investigation after the deaths.
She said the cats were all rushed to the vets after they fell ill but sadly all of them died or had to be put to sleep.
Tests have been done on all of the cats who have died and vets are confident that they’ve been poisoned with antifreeze.
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after all four of the cats died in the same street in Patina Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire
Ms Boyd said: ‘At this time of year we wouldn’t expect anyone to be using antifreeze in their cars so we are concerned that someone is deliberately putting this poisonous substance down to intentionally harm cats.
‘Cats are attracted to the smell and taste of antifreeze but ingesting the additive – used to stop liquids used in car engines from freezing – can be fatal, even if it’s only a very small amount.
‘It is an offence to intentionally poison or cause harm to an animal in this way and we are taking this matter very seriously.’
Anyone with any information is asked to come forward and contact the RSPCA in confidence by calling 0300 123 8018.
Those who are prosecuted of animal welfare offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 faces a maximum punishment of up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.