Seven cats die from suspected poisoning

Seven young cats have died in Telford in the last two weeks from suspected antifreeze poisoning, RSPCA said today.

Old Pound Veterinary Centre in Bradley Road, Donnington Wood, alerted the charity to its concerns about the high number of cats dying from the same symptoms. All the cats had renal failure issues and some had mouth ulcers.

The cats all came from the Donnington area from streets including James Way and Furnace Lane.

Rebecca Smith, 25, from Furnace Lane, had to have her six-month-old cat Buttons put down after she was found in a neighbour's garden with what looked like injuries caused by being hit by a car.

The vets informed Miss Smith that Buttons was actually suffering from renal failure and a neurological condition caused by poisoning.

Miss Smith said: "Me and my little boy are devastated, Buttons was only six months old. We would have liked to have known how she died but I couldn't afford the tests."

Miss Smith also claimed that two neighbours had to have their cats put down as well after suffering from the same symptoms. Miss Smith said: "I think it's either someone doing it deliberately or there has been a spillage but nobody uses antifreeze at this time of year, it's too warm."

RSPCA inspector Jackie Hickman said: "By the time owners realise their cats are unwell it is too late for the vets to save the animals."

The charity has been urging local people to check their garages and sheds for any spillages.

By Holly Evans