Cats poisoned by anti-freeze

Officials from the Scottish SPCA said today that both cats that died came from Glenmavis Drive in Bathgate.

Anti-freeze used in car radiators is deadly to cats, who like its sweet taste but can die within days of kidney damage and multiple organ failure.

Both animals were taken to a local vet where one was suspected of being poisoned with anti-freeze. Anti-freeze poisoning was confirmed in the second following a post mortem.

The Society's chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said: "Both cats were young and healthy and died as a result of poisoning.

"Sadly, the number of cat poisoning incidents in Scotland has increased rapidly over the past three years. However, cases such as this are very difficult to investigate as there is rarely a witness or evidence against the perpetrator.

"We would advise cat owners in the area to be vigilant and report anything suspicious."

Mother-of-two Lynne Erskine, whose cat Dodi was one of the two that died, said she was "heartbroken".

She added: "We've now lost two cats in the space of a year as one of our cats died last October and I now think it's more than likely that he was poisoned too.

"Dodi was a rescue cat we gave a new home to in February. He was a much loved family pet who was brilliant with both my daughters. It's a real loss to the whole family and we all miss him very much."

The news comes after the Scottish SPCA reported an apparent increase in cat cruelty, including poisoning, over the last two years.

In 2007 the Society said it was alerted to 19 instances of suspected cat poisoning, which increased to 23 incidents in 2008 and 34 incidents in 2009. Already this year 44 reports have been received.

Poisoners often mix anti-freeze in saucers of milk, but the picture is complicated by the possibility of accidental poisoning which can occur if cats lick leaking coolant from badly-maintained cars and trucks.

A spokeswoman said: "Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty can face stiff penalties of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 5000."

The Society said anyone with information about the Bathgate poisonings can call its Animal Helpline on 03000 999999.