Reward offered after fears cat was ‘poisoned’

Stewart Maginnis’ 10-year-old tortoiseshell Evie died earlier this month of kidney failure as a result of what he alleges may have been poisoning.

“We had Evie, along with her brother, since they were abandoned by their mother at five or six weeks old,” Mr Maginnis said.

“To watch my cat die was a truly heart-breaking experience; they cannot eat, are always thirsty, lose the use of their legs, and finally their organs fail.”

Mr Maginnis claimed four other pet cats in the Fairymount Terrace and Barn Mills areas had died in a similar manner.

The local man said he feared a “serial cat poisoner” was allegedly responsible.

“These incidents left their owners heartbroken to know that their pets have left them in such a horrible way,” he stated.

Mr Maginnis went on to say police have been informed and “are being helpful” but suggested it would be very difficult to find the type of person allegedly behind the deaths.

To assist police efforts, he added, he would like to offer a reward of £500 to anyone who can provide proof that would lead to a conviction.

Kerensa Scott, of Vets4Pets Woodburn Road, where Evie was cared for, said: “Evie presented unwell and blood tests revealed quite advanced kidney failure. Unfortunately, despite treatment, [she] did not recover.”

While the cause of Evie’s kidney failure could not be confirmed, certain toxins, such as antifreeze, can cause kidney failure in cats, Ms Scott added. “Other toxic causes include toxic plants e.g.lilies, some pesticides, some cleaning fluids and certain human medications.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police in Carrick received reports in relation to dead cats in the town on September 17 and July 25.

“Anyone with information relating to either matter should contact 101.”