Pet cats poisoned by anti-freeze

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The RSPCA are keeping an "open mind" after 15 cats were poisoned by anti-freeze in north Wales and Shropshire.

The animal charity said three pets died but inspectors are not yet sure if the cases are malicious or accidental.

A warning about the dangers of anti-freeze and the importance of its safe disposal has been issued after a spate of poisoning incidents in recent weeks.

The cases were reported in Ruabon, Chirk, Deeside in north east Wales and over the Shropshire border in Oswestry.

Liquid anti-freeze was thought to be the poisonous substance on each occasion.

RSPCA inspector Chris Dunbar said: "It could be that the cats have been targeted maliciously or that someone is simply unaware of the potential hazard to cats when they are pouring the liquid away."

Effective treatment

Mr Dunbar added: "I can't remember so many incidents of cat poisonings in such a short period of time.

Antifreeze is very toxic to cats, who like its sweet taste, but even small amounts can cause kidney failure, he said.

Effective treatment is only available if spotted within the first 24 hours but cats do not normally show early signs of illness, he added.

"By the time the cats show signs of illness there is nothing that can be done to save them."

Anyone with information about the recent cat poisonings can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.