Copycat killer commits purrder
By HARRY HAYDON
Published: 28 Aug 2009
A COPYCAT serial cat killer is believed to be on the loose after five cherished pets were found dead on a Yorkshire estate.
The sick animal hater is believed to be using car anti-freeze — just like a twisted attacker who killed eight cats in Bridgend, South Wales.
Earlier this week it was revealed that the Bridgend pet killer was using the spiked drinks to slaughter pets within a two-mile radius.
Now five cats have died agonising deaths after being targeted in carbon copy incidents in the village of Maltby, near Rotherham.
The latest death left Emma Smith and her four-year-old daughter Freya heartbroken when their five-year-old cat Chloe died after being fed the lethal substance.
Emma, of Maltby, said: "I can't believe that anyone would do something like this - it is basically murder.
"The last hours of her life must have been hell for her, she was in agony. We've had Chloe since she was a kitten and trying to explain to your four-year-old daughter that she is not coming home is just heartbreaking.
"I don't want anyone to have to go through what we are so I would warn other cat lovers to keep an eye on their pets."
After speaking to neighbours Emma believes at least five cats have been recent victims of poisoning.
Emma first realised something was wrong when Chloe was having trouble walking and appeared to be stumbling around.
Within hours the white and grey cat had collapsed, lost her sight and couldn't hear.
She was rushed to a vet's surgery and was then taken to a specialist animal hospital in Doncaster.
After a series of tests the animal medics confirmed that Chloe had been poisoned — probably with anti freeze — and the sick cat had to be put to sleep.
Andrew Fletcher, who lives nearby, found his ginger tom Lockie collapsed on a lawn near his home after being poisoned.
He said: "This is just plain murder. I have other cats and while I can't keep them in, I am worried about what might happen to them."
Police in Rotherham are appealing for any information.
Source: Copycat killer commits purrder