Family pets are killed by poison

Nov 6 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Family pets are killed by poison

A CAT killer used an illegal pesticide to poison a teenager’s pets.

Ciara and Daisy both died after coming into contact with deadly carbofuran.

Two more of Stacey Galloway’s cats, Toby and Cookie, survived the sickening attacks.

Another, Tinker, never returned home and has never been found.

The SSPCA is now frantically trying to find out who is responsible – before a human is poisoned.

Half a teaspoon of carbofuran – which has been banned since 2001 – could kill a grown man.

Stacey, from Cumnock, has been left devastated by the deaths of her pets.

Her mum Margaret told the Post: “The cats are now quite nervous about going out at night, but other than that they have made a full recovery.

“This has been devastating for me, my husband and my three kids. Ciara and Daisy were part of the family.

“It’s been a very deliberate attempt to poison them. We’ve had cats for years and we’ve never had any problems.”

Carbofuran is highly toxic and can pose a risk through swallowing, eye contact and breathing in the dust.

Both of Stacey’s cats were found to have ingested the poison.

Mike Flynn, SSPCA chief superintendent, said: “This poison is extremely dangerous. If a cat rolled in carbofuran and then went home and a small child touched and ingested the substance then it could be fatal, and the police would be looking at an even worse crime.

“It is an offence to knowingly poison an animal, and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to face up to six months in jail, a £5000 fine or both.”

Ciara and Daisy were poisoned on September 13.

The SSPCA is urging pet owners not to approach anyone they suspect of poisoning animals.

Anyone with information should contact the SSPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.