SOUTH WALES – Cat owners in the Swansea Valley are currently being warned to keep an eye on their pets after several cases of suspected poisoning.
The official warning has been issued by Clydach resident Melissa Bowmer who lost her cat ver this past weekend after, it is thought, drinking antifreeze which was deliberately put down. Despite rushing her kitty to the vets, it later died a horrible death.
She stated: “Our cat was poisoned on Saturday, someone is putting antifreeze down for them. It causes massive kidney failure and they die in agony. While we were at vets last night there was another cat in with the same and the vet said they had had 4 this month. People need to know this is happening. Unless a cat is treated within 30 minutes there is nothing that can be done. If they don’t make it back to their owner they die in agony.”
She went on to explain that it was not a matter that the police could easily help with.
She stated: “There is little the police can do as it’s almost impossible to prove who has done it, but people need to watch out and be vigilant. Also watch out for the tell-tale signs which are wobbly back legs , full pupils , seeming to be confused, pain is touched in the back and tummy area.
“They need to be taken to a vet asap. The vet told us that very often the antifreeze is just poured on a path or pavement or placed in milk.”
Clydach councillor Gordon Walker stated: “If people are deliberately targeting cats they need to stop and take a god hard look at themselves. These animals are loved members of the family to their owners and their loss naturally causes much heartache.
“If anyone knows who is doing this then please do the right thing and report it to the police.”
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA stated: “If anyone suspects that their cat has been poisoned deliberately please contact the RSPCA 24 Cruelty line on 0300 1234 999. Calls will be treated in confidence.
“Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offense. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $30,000.
“If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned you must take it to a vet immediately. If possible, you should take a sample of what the cat has eaten/drunk, or the container.”
