Investigation launched in Swindon after four cats die from 'poison'

Both Wiltshire Police and the RSPCA have confirmed they are looking into what may have caused these deaths.

All four of the cats lived on the same road, Emerald Crescent in Abbey Farm, and died under mysterious circumstances within the space of eight hours on Friday night into Saturday morning. 

Three of the cats were found by their owners at various points throughout Friday night exhibiting distressing symptoms, foaming at the mouth and having seizures, but after being rushed to vets it was determined the cats could not be saved.

A fourth cat was found already dead in its back garden the following Saturday night.

Read More: Swindon street left reeling after four cats die from unknown 'poison'

Chase, Nala, Betty and Simba were all killed by an unknown poison within one night (Image: Kate Blackford, Sarah-Jane Webb and Harri Thompson)

This has left their owners devastated with many saying they are now scared of where they live, and reluctant to let their other pets and even their children out because they do not know what has happened. 

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "We have received reports of a number of incidents in which cats in Emerald Crescent have been poisoned and sadly died.

"We have started an investigation and are working closely with our partners at the RSPCA to work out what has happened."

Swindon police officer Danielle Hindmarsh said: “Four cats have died in tragic circumstances which has been incredibly upsetting for their owners.

“These deaths have taken place in the last few days and we are working with our partners to get to the bottom of it.

“Please rest assured that we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously and we are appealing for anyone who has information about what has happened to come forward.

"People who can help with the investigation are asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference 54230085242, or to report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111."

The police also suggested that cat owners should consider getting GPS collars so that they could monitor their cat's movements. 

The proximity of the three households who lost beloved pets in the bizarre and unexplained spate of 'poisonings' in Swindon (Image: Chris Thompson) (Image: Chris Thompson)

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added: “We’re sorry to hear about this upsetting incident which has resulted in the death of much-loved cats. Our thoughts are with their owners at this sad time.

“We’re currently investigating and would encourage anyone with information to contact us on 0300 1234 999."

At least one of the owners is trying to get an autopsy of their cat to help determine what it was that might have poisoned them.