Police launch probe into series of cat poisonings

SSPCA also testing ‘potent’ powder, with one pet suffering chemical burns

Skin samples have been collected by Police Scotland following multiple reports of deliberate cat poisonings in Angus.

One cat had to have its ear removed after suffering from horrific chemical burns.

The SSPCA is also carrying out tests after pets were found to have been infected with a “potent” dark green, chalky powder.

One Montrose woman said she is now keeping her two cats indoors, after both were badly affected.

“I don’t think it is us who are being targeted, I think it is cats in general,” she said.

SSPCA Inspector Karen Cooper told The Courier: “We are aware of cat attacks in the Montrose area... the investigation is currently ongoing.”

A horrified woman has warned pet owners to be on high alert after her two cats suffered chemical burns in a suspected targeted attack.

Daniel le Or mon d’ s two ginger and white pets, two-year-old Rory and nine-year-old Jasper, have suffered chemical burns, with Rory having to have his ear removed.

Rory came home with what Danielle, from Montrose, described as a dark green, chalky powder, like a grass stain, on his fur that is liquid underneath.

Danielle said: “He came in the house and I knew something was not right. There was a substance on his back. I picked him up and it smelt really potent.

“By the time we got to the vets within 45 minutes the skin had come off his back.

“The skin was shiny and his ear was burnt. The vet said it was a severe chemical burn.”

Rory was sent home and had to wear a head collar for 10 days to see if his ear healed. Following the horrific incident in January, a vet decided to remove his ear as the pain was far too severe.

Danielle and Chris, both 35, kept him indoors for three months but after only being let out a few days Rory came home and suffered a fit after a suspected poisoning on May 1.

Danielle said: “He collapsed on the floor and his legs were going wild.”

She said Rory was aggressive towards her, which is out of character for him.

He was taken to the vets and spent three nights in their care.

Their other cat, Jasper, came back but last Monday he returned home with the same substance on his back as Rory, as well as scratches.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Karen Cooper said: “We are aware of cat attacks in Montrose. The investigation is ongoing with samples of the substance currently being tested.

“At this stage we would ask anyone with information to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

“By the time wegottothe vets within 45 minutes the skin had come off his back. DANIELLE ORMOND