Pet cats were poisoned

The RSPCA is warning people to be careful when using antifreeze in Norfolk, after at least two cats died from poisoning.

Finley, a nine-month-old grey cat, returned to his home in Beck View, Harleston on 30 December 2009. He was foaming at the mouth and had been sick.

His owner James Blake rushed him to a vet where he was put on a drip overnight.

The next day, New Year's Eve, Mr Blake's partner Carly Daniels was called to the surgery to say goodbye as Finley was dying.

Tests carried out by Natural England last week came back showing that Finley had died from antifreeze poisoning.

Miss Daniels' previous cat, Panther, died at Christmas 2008 and displayed the same symptoms.

She knows of two neighbours whose cats have also died recently in a similar way and whose previous cats also died around Christmas time 2008.

Miss Daniels said: “When Panther died we thought it was an accident, but now that Finley has died in the same way, we are very concerned that someone may have been doing this on purpose.

“It was heartbreaking to see Finley suffer such a horrible death. When I went to see him at the vets he had blood coming from his mouth and didn't even recognise me. We have now lost two adored pets who were members of our families.”

RSPCA inspector Marc Niepold said: “We don't know if these cats have been deliberately poisoned or whether they have just been the unfortunate victims of accidents.

“Many people are unaware of the dangers of antifreeze and, especially at this time of year, fill their cars and may just tip the remainder down a drain or in a gutter. The public must take care when using it and make sure that none is spilt where animals may have access to it.”

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a �20,000 fine.