Three cats poisoned in Rochdale

Three cats from the same neighbourhood in Rochdale died within hours of each other.

The three male cats, two ginger and one black and white, all lived at properties just five doors down from each other on Norton Road and Netley Avenue and were aged between 16 months and two years old.

One cat was found collapsed under a car, the second cat had died after a seizure in its garden while the third was found dead on the owner’s kitchen floor with froth and vomit around his mouth having suffered from a seizure some time in the early hours of Wednesday (16 July) morning.

RSPCA inspector Catherine Byrnes said: “Due to the circumstances all three cats were found in we think they were poisoned. All three cats were discovered with froth around their mouths and had been perfectly healthy before they died. None of them had suffered any form of trauma either.

“It is so sad and must be a real shock for all the families.

"It is more than a coincidence that these three young cats all died within hours of each other in such a short distance apart.

“We do not yet know if this poisoning was a tragic accident or if it was a deliberate act but we would urge anyone with information to come forward.

“We would urge people to be very careful when using poisonous substances - such as slug pellets and anti-freeze - in their gardens or outside spaces.

“If of course this turns out to be deliberate poisoning then we need to stress that it is illegal to cause an animal to suffer in this way and anyone found guilty could face a maximum sentence of up to six months in prison and a £20,000 fine.”

Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area should contact the RSPCA in confidence on the appeals line - 0300 123 8018.