Two cats die after four poisoned

The Scottish SPCA has appealed for information about the poisoning

A pet owner has been left devastated after her four cats were poisoned with a banned pesticide in Cumnock, Ayrshire.

Two of animals died after ingesting the highly toxic substance, Carbofuran. The other two survived the poisoning.

Animal welfare officers said they believed the cats were deliberately targeted.

They have appealed for information from the public to help identify those involved.

The cats, who died on 13 September, belonged to 17-year-old Stacey Galloway from Townhead Street.

Her mother Margaret Galloway told the BBC Scotland news website: "Stacey is in such a state over this. She is devastated.

"It is absolutely shocking that someone would do this to small innocent animals.

If a cat rolled in Carbofuran and then went home and a small child touched and ingested the substance then it could be fatal Ch Supt Mike Flynn Scottish SPCA

"Whoever did this needs to be caught and face some sort of punishment."

Carbofuran has been banned since 2001.

It is highly toxic to animals and humans and can pose a risk through swallowing, eye contact and from breathing in the dust. It is recognisable by its distinct purple granules.

Chf Supt Mike Flynn from the Scottish SPCA said:"Due to the type of poison used in this case, we suspect that it has been a deliberate act.

"We are therefore asking people to contact us with information to help us identify who has caused the death of these much loved pets.

"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."

He added: "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 £5,000 fine or both."