Anti-freeze cat poisoner sought

The deaths all took place over the last four months

The RSPCA has spoken out after 16 cats were found poisoned with anti-freeze.

The deaths in Bridgwater, Somerset have taken place over the last four months in a small cluster of residential streets.

Jo Barr, of the RSPCA, said it was not clear whether someone was deliberately carrying out the poisonings or there was an innocent source of the chemical.

Five animals from the Bath Road area died in the last two weeks after drinking the anti-freeze.

"The worst case scenario is someone is deliberately targeting the animals in this horrendous way," said Ms Barr.

It is very odd to have so many in one area at this time of year Dr Kate Bartels, vet

Cat owner Zoe Evans, 16, who animal died said: "Peaches hadn't come in for her breakfast for two days, then I saw her lying by her water bowl collapsed.

"She was just drinking water for 15 minutes. The vet said it looked like she had been poisoned, most likely by anti-freeze."

Ms Barr added: "The fact that this number of cats has now been affected is extremely worrying.

"Anti-freeze is very sweet and attractive to cats."

The cats died of liver failure after drinking the anti-freeze.

Vet Dr Kate Bartels who carried out post-mortem examinations on the animals said: "The deaths are rising and it is very odd to have so many in one area at this time of year. "