Five cats in one street dead from poisoning

A SUSPECTED cat poisoner may have been responsible for the deaths of up to five pets in the same street, it emerged today.

• Stuart Keith's cats Rufus and Poppy

The Scottish SPCA said last week it was investigating the deaths of two cats who are thought to have died after swallowing anti-freeze in Bathgate's Glenmavis Drive.

One of those belonged to 29-year-old Stuart Keith and he now believes two more of his cats have fallen victim.

He told today how he suffered the loss of two-year-old Poppy on Friday morning, three weeks after the death of Fumi who died in similar circumstances. And he believes that another of his cats, two-year-old Rufus who died last summer was also killed by the poisoner targeting the animals.

A vet confirmed last week that a cat belonging to Lynne Erskine, his neighbour, died after ingesting anti-freeze, which can kill felines within days through kidney damage and multiple organ failure.

The mother-of-two also saw another pet cat pass away last October with similar symptoms.

The SSPCA said poisoners often put anti-freeze used in car radiators into saucers of milk to target cats as they appealed for help in tracing the culprits behind the latest incidents.

Mr Keith, an internet developer, has been forced to give away his last surviving cat, George, to a friend as feared the animal was no longer safe living with him.

He said: "Three weeks ago, Fumi was taken ill and had to be put down after a few days because of kidney failure. Then in the early hours of Friday morning, I found Poppy being ill. She was unstable and falling about so I took her to the vet in the morning where she died.

"The vet said there had been a similar case with anti-freeze poisoning from the same street. That was Mrs Erskine's cat.

"Now I'm thinking that Rufus' death last summer was also very similar. He was also left very unsteady on his feet then I found him dead in the garden.

"I know some gardeners don't like cats going into their gardens, but I can't think of anyone from here who would do this.

"If the cats have been poisoned then whoever has done it is absolutely disgusting."

Cases of cat poisoning in the Lothians are on the rise, with figures showing that the SSPCA have received seven reports since January, compared to only two cases during 2008.

But accidental cases of poisoning can occur if cats lick leaking coolant from badly-maintained cars and trucks.

Anyone found guilty of pet cruelty can face up to six months in jail, while offenders can also be fined up to 5000.SSPCA Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "There is currently an ongoing investigation into a number of cats that have died in Glenmavis Drive, Bathgate.

"One cat has been confirmed as anti-freeze poisoning, another has been sent to the lab for testing and the remainder are suspected as being victims of anti-freeze poisoning. We would urge anyone in the area with any information to contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999. Information can be provided anonymously."