CRUEL: Cat 'poisoned by anti-freeze' near Mansfield school

A devastated cat owner from Mansfield says a 'cruel' individual has killed her pet deliberately by luring it with tuna fish and then feeding it anti-freeze.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Mar 2017, 09:11 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2017, 22:16 BST
The tortoiseshell-tabby, Bella, was seven years old.The tortoiseshell-tabby, Bella, was seven years old.
The tortoiseshell-tabby, Bella, was seven years old.

Mum of two Steph Wright said her cat Bella was 'poisoned' near to her home in Mansfield Woodhouse - and the seven-year-old tortoiseshell tabby's poisoning by anti-freeze was confirmed by vets.

She added: "It started off with the cat limping so we just thought she'd hurt her leg like she's done many times before.

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"It was confirmed by a blood test at the emergency vets at 6am this morning. We knew someone had fed her tuna because she was bringing it up through the night, and the vets said it was mixed with antifreeze.

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A cat owner is devastated after her cat was allegedly lured with tuna before being poisoned with anti-freezeA cat owner is devastated after her cat was allegedly lured with tuna before being poisoned with anti-freeze
A cat owner is devastated after her cat was allegedly lured with tuna before being poisoned with anti-freeze

"It's a horrific thing for a cat to go through. It causes paralysis and eventually death after his of suffering. We had our cat put to sleep."

"I don't know how anyone could do this to a poor defenceless animal.

"Bella was part of the family and we had to watch her suffer because of some heartless cruel individual who obviously likes seeing animals suffer."

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This isn't the first time cats have been targeted by a malicious poison-attacker.

A cat owner is devastated after her cat was allegedly lured with tuna before being poisoned with anti-freezeA cat owner is devastated after her cat was allegedly lured with tuna before being poisoned with anti-freeze
A cat owner is devastated after her cat was allegedly lured with tuna before being poisoned with anti-freeze

The mum added: "The same thing was happening last year, I want to make people in the area aware that someone is doing this, and what signs to look out for."

While Steph believes her cat was poisoned deliberately the RSPCA said anti-freeze poisonings are relatively common.

The animal safety charity added: "Most people are unaware of the danger to pets from antifreeze poisoning.

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"Ingesting the smallest amount can cause kidney failure and death, especially in cats.

"Accidental poisonings from spills/leaks, as well as leaking water coolant from cars happen every year, leading to pet death.

"Clean up spills immediately, no matter how small. Ensure pets cannot access the area until it’s clean and safe."

Signs of anti-freeze poisoning in pets include:

- Vomiting

- Seeming depressed/sleepy

- Appearing drunk and uncoordinated

- Seizures (fits)

- Difficulty breathing

Signs of antifreeze poisoning can show 30 minutes after ingestion. It can be two/three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

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Antifreeze poisoning can cause pain, suffering, distress and ultimately, death. Poisoning cats can constitute a criminal offence; under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty is up to six months imprisonment and/or a £20,000 fine.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident 657-28032017.

Related topics:Mansfield