‘It’s horrible to see’
Westmount woman concerned after death of feral cats
The deaths of six or seven cats on Fulton Avenue within a couple of weeks has caused one resident to call SPCA Animal Cruelty because she suspects they are being poisoned.
“They scream in pain, convulse and lose the use of their hind legs and coordination before they collapse. It’s horrible to see,” said the woman, who asked to be unnamed for fear her pets would be targeted.
“They are dying in a very painful way. Whatever kind of poison it is, it’s bad. They’re dragging, crawling through the grass, trying to get home.”
The woman believes the cats stay at a home on the street at night and during the day she and other homeowners on the street feed the cats.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s not the cats’ fault… but even the kittens have been poisoned. Oh my God, it’s horrible.”
On Tuesday, the woman saw another cat, screaming in pain, dragging itself to a nearby home. She called the SPCA Animal Cruelty division who confirm they responded to the call and took the cat to a veterinarian.
“We were able to take in one cat that was displaying some abnormal signs,” said Joanne Landsburg, chief provincial inspector with the SPCA.
“Unfortunately the cat had to be euthanized for medical reasons.”
Further tests are being done to determine cause of death and poison isn’t being ruled out.
“At this point in time, the veterinarian is suspecting it could have been poisoned with something like anti-freeze,” Landsburg said.
“When an animal ingests anti-freeze, it can sometimes show similar signs to what it displayed in our hospital.”
Carmen Dunn, president of the Feral and Abandoned Cat Society, confirmed they have been helping control the cat population in that area with their spay and neuter program.
“It is extremely disturbing to learn that someone might be intentionally bringing harm to these cats. The cats have been fixed, they are cared for with food and shelter, and they are just trying to live their lives,” Dunn said.
“They do not deserve to be subjected to cruelty and suffering.”
Steve Gillespie, councillor for District 4, said he hasn’t received any complaints about the issue and he will be looking into it.
The woman is hoping the cats can be re-homed so they will be safe. Watching them suffer like this is hard for the animal lover.
“About two-weeks ago, I was bawling for the whole entire day because there was one particular cat that came up on my step all day long, all she wanted to do was cuddle. I almost took her in… Now that kitten’s dead. It’s horrible,” she said.
Animal Cruelty is still investigating and is asking anyone with information to call 1–888– 703-7722.