Antifreeze warning after Telford family's pet cats die in suspected poisoning

It is believed they were fed either antifreeze or rat poison in the latest attack of its kind.

The RSPCA today launched an investigation and said it would prosecute anyone responsible for poisoning animals.

Owner Mark Selley, from Telford, said he took the cats to the vets after noticing they were behaving strangely but was told there was nothing that could be done to save them.

Mr Selley, of Butchery Grove in Oakengates, said the four cats, Chester, 12, Arthur, 10, Amy, nine, and 12-month-old Betsy, were part of the family and he and wife Elaine, 60, had been left devastated.

"We first noticed there was something wrong when they came in for their tea on Sunday," Mr Selley said.

"All of a sudden they started staggering all over the place, like they had been on the beer.

"It just got worse from there, it was horrendous having to watch them. As the day went on it got worse and when they started having seizures we knew we had to get them to the vets, but sadly it was too late.

"The vet said they had been poisoned by either antifreeze or rat poison."

Poisoning cats is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The maximum penalty for anyone found guilty is up to six months in prison or a fine up to a maximum of £20,000.

Mark Selley, who works for Forbo in Halesfield, said that all cat owners should take extra care during the winter months, when the use of antifreeze increases.

The 52-year-old said: "We are devastated, they were part of the family. You hope that there isn't someone out there doing this deliberately, but I would urge people around here to keep a close eye on their cats just in case."

It is not the first time families have lost cats as a result of poisoning in Shropshire. Back in 2012, police and RSPCA officials launched an investigation after eight cats were found dead in Shrewsbury in just two weeks. And in the same year, seven cats died in Telford over a similar two-week period after being poisoned with antifreeze.

A warning was issued by the RSPCA at the time to residents not to add the chemical to water features or ponds. It was feared pets could be drinking the water.

RSPCA inspector Chris Dunbar said at the time: "The charity hopes that by warning the public of the animals' unexpected deaths it may serve as a warning to other cat owners to report anything suspicious.

"People should not put antifreeze in water features in gardens as it can have devastating consequences for cats and other wild animals. If using antifreeze in the car the public are asked to please clean it up if any is spilled and to ensure that it is stored safely and securely.

"If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned you must take it to a vet immediately. If possible, you should take a sample of what the cat has consumed, or the container."

Anyone who suspects an animal has been intentionally poisoned should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.