Another two cats die from suspected poisoning in Mill View Road area of Shotton

RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information following suspected cat poisonings in the area of Mill View Road, Shotton, which is thought to have left two cats dead.

One, a black, long-haired cat called Max, died following the incident on 29 December and it has been reported to the RSPCA that another cat, in the same street, may have been the victim of poisoning two weeks previously and had to be put to sleep by an independent vet.

Max’s owner, Paula Pynenburg, said

“Max was an independent cat but when he came home he’d had a complete change in character. He was lethargic, wobbly and wouldn’t eat his favourite food. We took him to our local vet who said that he had been poisoned and he was in complete renal failure.

“What people don’t understand is that cats are a member of the family and we will deeply miss Max. This was a cruel way for him to go.”

RSPCA inspector Tim Jones said:

“Our thoughts are with Max’s owners particularly around this festive time, especially as these poisonings may have been completely preventable.

“I would urge anyone who is using chemicals to make sure that they clean up any spillages and ensure that they keep the lid on tight and stored away from animals.”

The RSPCA is appealing for information and would urge anyone to come forward and contact the RSPCA Inspectorate information line on 0300 123 8018. Calls will be treated in confidence.

Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offence.

Inspector Jones added: “We’re calling on all cat owners to be vigilant and to take their cat to a vets straight away if they suspect they have been poisoned.

“We currently don’t know whether these incidents were accidental or deliberate or who may have done it.”

Two cats died from suspected poisoning in the same area in April.

Ernie and Lou Lou, who were from the Mill View Road area, belonged to the same owner.

They were rushed to the vets, where sadly they were found to be in such a bad state of health they were put to sleep on veterinary advice.

Two cats killed in another suspected poisoning in Shotton

Potential signs of poisoning could include vomiting, seeming depressed/sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, difficulty breathing, increased thirst and increased urination.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of cat poisoning is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.