Fears cat poisoner has struck again
ASUSPECTED serial cat poisoner appears to have struck again.
Police have issued a warning after a cat was found dead in Smallbridge.
The latest fatality occurred on one of the same streets four were killed using anti-freeze last year.
Officers launched an investigation in October after the animals were poisoned on neighbouring streets.
All four cats were found in an area surrounding Stott Street, Holland Street and Mary Street. Another was left seriously ill.
Another cat has now been found in the same area, prompting fears the person responsible for the deaths of the four animals in October has struck again.
Detectives believe the poisoner lives nearby and are urging for anyone with information or CCTV footage of suspicious activity - to come forward.
The owner of the latest cat suspected to have been killed is said to be ‘inconsolable’ and had the pet for a decade.
A post on the GMP Rochdale Facebook page read: “It is with regret that, once again, we have to inform you another cat has died from antifreeze poisoning
“All the incidents have been occurring around the Holland and Stott Street areas and this case is no exception
“The cat owner is inconsolable - he had his cat for 10 years.
“Please be vigilant as it is highly likely the person responsible lives within close proximity of Holland Street and Stott Street.
“If anyone owns a CCTV camera please check your footage for any suspicious activity and report it to 101 without delay.”
A number of other cats went missing when police first started investigating in October.
The situation is said to be ‘unique’ to the area.
Two of the October deaths happened on the same day on Stott Street.
Cats can become ill after ingesting antifreeze following spills or leaks on the street.
But the number of cases in such a small area has led to suspicions someone is deliberately poisoning animals.
The RSPCA said it was also investigating after being alerted by the police.
Cat owners are being urged to remain vigilant as the probe continues.
Animals that have ingested antifreeze may vomit, seem depressed or sleepy, appear ‘drunk’ and uncoordinated, suffer seizures or have difficulty breathing.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, visit a vet immediately.
‘Please be vigilant as it is highly likely the person responsible lives within close proximity’