An animal charity has issued a warning to cat owners after four pets were found to have been poisoned in a Co Donegal village.
One of the animals died from poisoning in Ballintra in south Donegal while the other three were taken to a vet in time and were saved.
Charity, ‘Animals in Need Donegal’ has asked the public not to put down poison to kill rodents and has also warned cat owners in the Ballintra area to keep their pets indoors for a short period until the danger passes.
The charity said it was unfortunate that they were starting the new year with bad news.
Spokeswoman, Gitte McMullin said: “We have been contacted by a distraught pet owner who lost their cat to what appeared to be poisoning last night.”
Ms McMullin said it was not known what type of poison was used or whether or not the cats were deliberately poisoned.
“Cat poisoning can be accidental, with the poison having been laid for rodents or could be deliberately aimed at cats. If aimed at cats deliberately, it is often seen in areas with a large number of unneutered cats that keep breeding and someone has enough – yet another reason to neuter. This is not an excuse but a justification we have heard in the past.”
She said it was possible the cats had eaten poison laid for rodents or had eaten mice or rats which were already infected with the poison. Ms McMullin said that on occasions people laid poison not realising that it was now illegal to do so. She suggested that rodent traps should be used instead.
Ms McMullin said pet owners should be alert for the symptoms of poisoning.
“The symptoms of poisoning are distressing: frothing at the mouth and wobbly walk before collapsing. Urgent vet care is essential to give the cat a chance of survival,” Ms McMullin said.
