Cat killer fears as moggies found poisoned with anti-freeze

Fears are growing that a cat killer is on the loose after scores of pets were found poisoned with anti-freeze.

As many as 50 cats across Essex have died after ingesting anti-freeze in the past year. Cats are attracted to the sweetness of the anti-freeze, but are left facing a near-inevitable death once they have ingested the active ingredient ethylene glycol.

In the latest spate of killings, six cats, including two kittens, have been found dead in a small area of Shoebury. Police have said they are keeping an open mind, but residents are sure a cat killer is responsible.

Kiely Salter, 36, was left heartbroken after her two-year-old cats Tilly and Stella died painful deaths within hours of each other.

The mother-of-one, who lives in Shoebury, said: “I was with Tilly before she died and that cat was suffering horribly — the vet told me afterwards that her kidney was like that of a 15-year-old cat.”

Essex police are investigating a spate of about 30 cat deaths in Harwich after meat was found to be laced with anti-freeze.