Police ask for information following cat poisonings in Long Eaton

Police are appealing for information after a number of cats in the Margaret Avenue area of Long Eaton were poisoned.

To date, four cats have shown signs of anti-freeze poisoning. Three of those affected have died and one is alive but sustained kidney damage.

A resident of Margaret Avenue said: "Tyrone, my nine-year-old cat, just collapsed one day and started being sick.

"I took him straight to the vet but he was too ill to save and had to be put to sleep. The vet did tests on him afterwards, which showed anti-freeze poisoning."

David Knowles of Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital added: "We would advise owners in the area to keep their cat indoors as much as possible, especially if they have a wide territory and tend to wander. This isn't advice we would normally offer, but it would be a sensible short term measure.

"Also look out for signs of poisoning in your pet; this would include a complete loss of appetite, a very lethargic animal and sickness. If your cat is showing these signs, bring it straight into the nearest veterinary surgery."

The poisonings occurred between the end of December and middle of January, and police are appealing for anyone who may have any information about these incidents.

PC Nicola Walker of the Long Eaton Town Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "If anyone knows anything about these poisonings please come forward as soon as possible.

"We are also interested in anyone who may have seen cat food left out in the Margaret Avenue area which had a blue tinge to it.

"We would like to remind the public to be careful when using anti-freeze or any other type of poison. Please keep local animals and wildlife in mind, and carefully clean up if you spill any toxic substance."

You can contact Derbyshire Constabulary about this incident by calling 0345 123 33 33.

To report a crime or pass information to the police anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.