Deliberate poisoning feared as family loses second cat in a week

Dad calls police after evidence of toxic substance is found by vet

A Fife family say they have been left devastated after a second of their pet cats had to be put down because of poisoning in less than a week.

Owners Dan and Shannon Connolly had to make the agonising decision to put their eight-year-old cat Nala to sleep after it was poisoned by a toxic substance.

It comes just four days after a similar incident which left another of their cats, Lola, unable to walk and suffering from kidney failure.

The second poisoning is thought to have occurred close to the family’s home in Woodside Street in Rosyth a week ago.

“It was bad enough to have this happen once but for it to happen a second time in a week to two healthy pets is devastating,” said Dan.

“It must have happened very close to where we live as Nala only has three legs and so while she goes outside, she only ever roamed a short distance from the house.

“The vet said to us that there was no doubt that Nala was poisoned by a substance, almost certainly anti-freeze, which he could confirm because of the crystals found within the cat’s urine.”

Dan said he fears someone has poisoned his beloved pets deliberately and informed the police following the second incident.

“After the first incident we issued a warning to residents urging them to keep a close watch on their own pets and to remain vigilant for any suspicious behaviour,” Dan said.

“But this second tragedy and because the vet was 100% adamant that Nala had suffered because of ingesting a highly toxic substance, I called the police.

“I appreciate there is probably very little that officers can do but we just wanted to register it in case of further incidents. We also want to further urge residents to be on the lookout for anything suspicious in the area.

“We’d hate for anyone else to have to have to have their pets put to sleep.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that officers had visited the Connolly family but found nothing that suggested a crime had been committed.

The public are urged to report any further suspected incidents of poisoning.

Dan Connolly and his three-year-old son Ailbe have suffered the loss of two beloved pets.

Anti-freeze poisoning feared from crystals found in the urine of Nala the cat.