Families fear of cat killer after SIXTH pet ‘poisoned’
FAMILIES in a Macclesfield street fear a serial cat killer is on the loose – claiming six pets have been poisoned with antifreeze.
Police have launched a probe following the most recent death on Peel Street but are unable to conclude the deaths have been caused by a deliberate act.
However, residents are convinced a pet poisoner has struck repeatedly over the last two years, killing their beloved pets.
In September 2014 the Express reported three cats died after developing symptoms consistent with those caused by ingesting antifreeze.
Since then three others have died, according to residents.
The latest fatality was Ted, belonging to Jill Hayes, which had to be put down on Thursday and reported the incident to the police and RSPCA.
Blood tests showed he had died of anti-freeze poisoning.
Jill, 48, said: “It’s very upsetting to see your animal in agony. It’s very unpleasant way for them to go.
“Having spoken to my neighbours we count that six cats in total have died in the last two years.
“I find it alarming that someone can do that to animals. It’s sickening.
“I am worried every time my other cat goes out that something else is going to happen.”
Sarah and Paul Frodsham’s cat Hugo died 18 months ago. Sarah said: “This is quite clearly another deliberate act. It is very serious and very worrying.
“There are young children living in this road and it is making many of us very uneasy that someone living near us is capable of doing something so cruel and going continually unpunished.
“We shouldn’t have to feel like this in our own homes.”
Police conducted doorto-door enquiries but have found no proof the poisoning is deliberate.
PC Caroline Stevens, from Macclesfield Police, said: “We take reports like this very seriously and will thoroughly investigate any incidents of animal cruelty.
“We would urge all residents with cats to keep a close eye on them and to contact a vet if they notice any similar symptoms with their cat.
“We would also advise people to make sure that they dispose of any antifreeze in the appropriate manner in order to pre- vent any animals from consuming this by accident.”
Signs of poisoning can include lack of appetite, vomiting, breathing difficulties, unsteadiness and seizures.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 590 of June 23.