Warning to pet owners as four cats die from antifreeze poisoning in Alfreton street

Fears have been raised after four cats in a Derbyshire town have died from antifreeze poisoning in the space of days.
Luke Wright's cat Harvey (who died) with Oscar (the only cat they now own).Luke Wright's cat Harvey (who died) with Oscar (the only cat they now own).
Luke Wright's cat Harvey (who died) with Oscar (the only cat they now own).

Tests suggest that four of the cats who lived in King Street, Alfreton, had ingested the toxic substance and sadly died over the Christmas and New Year period.

Another has gone missing presumed dead.

One owner Luke Wright told how one of his cats Poll, a black and ginger cat aged two, was found dragging her kitten Patch, a black and white cat aged 11 months, up the drive of their home on December 23.

Luke Wright's cat Patch died first.Luke Wright's cat Patch died first.
Luke Wright's cat Patch died first.
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Luke and his girlfriend Shannon Yeomans realised Patch, who is owned by a neighbour, was very ill and convulsing so they alerted his owner who rushed him to the vets but sadly he died.

Luke said Poll went missing the day after on Christmas Eve and has not been seen since. He suspects she too may have been poisoned and has died.

Then on December 27 his other cat Harvey, a ginger cat aged 11 months, came home and looked ill – so they rushed him to the vets but it was too late and he also died from suspected antifreeze poisoning.

Luke said since these incidents on January 5, a letter was distributed by a neighbour warning cat owners to be aware as two of her pets had also died of suspected poisoning.

Poll went missing over Christmas and never returned.Poll went missing over Christmas and never returned.
Poll went missing over Christmas and never returned.
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Luke said: “We were really upset and my girlfriend Shannon has taken it really badly. They are family members so to see them suffering was awful.

“For four cats to die in a similar way in the same street and for another to be missing is concerning so we reported the matter to the RSPCA and are hoping to raise awareness in the local area for people to be careful.

“It is too late for these cats but we hope a warning may save other lives."

RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe, who is investigating, said: “At the moment we would advise everyone in the area to keep an eye on their cats’ wellbeing and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning get them veterinary treatment immediately.

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“At this stage we do not know if these were accidental incidents or deliberate but 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.

“If you do use antifreeze in your car please make sure that there are no leaks and any spills are cleaned up properly.

“Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after ingestion to two or three days. This can include some, or all of the following symptoms: vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk or uncoordinated, seizures and difficulty breathing.”

Deliberately poisoning a protected animal like a cat or a dog is an offence and carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Anyone who has information about these incidents should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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