Eighteen cats killed with anti-freeze in Cornwall

Eighteen cats killed with anti-freeze in Cornwall

Police fear a cat killer could be on the loose in a village close to where the hit BBC drama Poldark is filmed.

Eighteen pet cats have been poisoned to death in Beacon, near Camborne, Cornwall - although villagers fear the tally could be higher. 

According to reports, the cats have been lapping up anti-freeze left out in saucers in gardens and alleyways - suffering an agonising death before vets can save them.

Eighteen pet cats have been poisoned to death after ingesting anti-freeze left out in saucers in Beacon, near Camborne, Cornwall - although villagers fear the tally could be higher (stock photo)

The killing spree stretches back 36 months, with all the pets living in the same area around Tolcarne Road, Pendarves Street and Fore Street. 

The village is located close to where scenes from the Poldark series are shot.

Although police say the poisonings may have been accidental, villagers say there have been too many in a short space of time and a cat killer must be on the rampage.

Devon and Cornwall Police today urged owners to beware and appealed for information from the public. 

Nearby Monument Vets warned other cat owners to be vigilant on Facebook after the spate of deaths

PCSO Andrew Richards said: 'Vet tests determined all these cats died from ingesting anti-freeze, but we do not know where the source of it is.

'People should be aware that anti-freeze is extremely poisonous to their pets and just a small amount can lead to kidney failure and death.' 

'At this stage, we do not know if this is an accidental incident or deliberate but in the meantime we would ask for everyone in the area to check where they keep their anti-freeze and make sure it is secure and out of the way of cats.

'People should check their cars for any leaks too.

'It is possible that people were simply unaware of the potential hazards to cats when they poured the antifreeze away. 

'Similarly, we cannot rule out that this was a deliberate act of cruelty and would ask anyone who has information to this effect to contact us immediately.'   

Cats ingesting food laced with anti-freeze, or drinking it, suffer a horrifying, slow and agonising death as it crystallises in their kidneys.

Just two teaspoons of the liquid, which contains lethal ethylene glycol, is enough to kill a cat unless a vet can give treatment within sixty minutes.

A total of six cats died in just 24 hours in February, with local vet Ben Gilbert-Polcock describing the killings as 'horrendous'.

'We have tried everything to save the cats that have been brought in to us and it has not ended happily,' the vet, who runs the Monument Vets Surgery in Redruth, said. 

The killing spree stretches back 36 months, with all the pets living in the same area around Tolcarne Road, Pendarves Street and Fore Street. Pictured: The village of Beacon in Cornwall

'There is a big black cloud. To say this has been devastating is an understatement - it has been horrendous.

'It has been the worst day ever but obviously for the owners it's far worse for them.' 

He added: 'Initially they become very weak and unresponsive, and that has progressed to kidney failure leading on to fits, seizures and death.' 

Monument Vets warned other cat owners to be vigilant after the spate of deaths.

In a post published on the clinic's Facebook page, a post read: 'Please share - we are seeing possible poisonings in multiple cats in the Beacon area of Camborne/Redruth.

'Symptoms are consistent with anti-freeze exposure. Sadly, some cats have passed away with this and some are missing.

'Please share our current advice which is if you live in the Beacon area to keep your cats and dogs inside. We are reaching out to other practices and the police.'

Local resident Helen Howes posted: 'Thank you for warning others and thank you for seeing Tweeky so quickly last night and my friend's cat this morning. 

'Whilst looking for my missing cat I have heard of two other cats dying and two others missing.' 

Cats love anti-freeze because of its sweet taste but it eats away at their insides and kills nine out of ten pets that drink it.  

Villagers believe the mystery killer is placing it in saucers and bowls where they can find it on their night-time prowls. 

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: 'Poisoning an animal deliberately is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.'

The animal welfare charity is begging people to ensure anti-freeze is safely stored out of the way of cats and other animals and that any spillages are mopped up. 

Laura Quinn from the RSPCA said: 'We would encourage people to check where they keep their anti-freeze and make sure it is secure and out of the way of cats and other animals.

'They should check their cars for any leaks too. Often people are simply unaware of the potential hazards when they dispose of anti-freeze and this can have a life threatening impact on animals.

'We also would encourage people not to use anti-freeze in things such as water f eatures and garden ornaments as the impact can be deadly for animals who end up drinking the water.

'If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned you must take it to a vet immediately and, if possible, you should take a sample of what the cat has eaten or drunk, or the container.'