The RSPCA has issued a warning to pet owners in the Horsforth area of Leeds after several cats were poisoned by a mysterious tar-like substance. One owner of a cat called Buzby was sadly forced to put her to sleep when her health declined over six weeks.
Buzby had returned home to Grove Road in Horsforth on several occasions covered with the dark substance. Her mouth became infected, she started drooling and fell into a state of lethargy, all signs of poisoning.
Several neighbours to Buzby's owner have also reported their cats to be missing in recent weeks. One was covered in a similar unknown substance and another was found dead with what vets suspect was the result of chemical poisoning.
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The RSPCA has issued the warning following the launch of the charity's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, to raise funds to help rescue teams on the frontline continue investing in cruelty and rescuing animals.
Inspector Adam Dickinson, who is investigating, said: “If owners see their cats licking at a tar-like substance on their fur then they need to take action quickly as it is dangerous.
“This poor cat’s health went downhill over six weeks. She developed ulcers on her tongue and in her mouth and throat, which led to her bleeding internally. The substance was obviously very toxic and acidic. They tried to clean it off at the vets and her fur fell off, which shows just how poisonous it is.
“From being a very active cat Buzby would just lay in her litter tray and only move for food, which she was struggling to eat as the substance had burnt the inside of her mouth.
“One of the lady’s neighbours described the material as being like marmite in texture and it has an absolutely foul smell to it. Whether there has been a spillage of some chemical in the area or not we don’t know. But it looks like the substance may have been thrown at the cats as it has been found on their paws and neck areas.
“If anyone has any information about these incidents or anyone whose cats have gone through a similar situation then we would urge them to contact the RSPCA as soon as possible.”
Buzby's owner noticed her fur was first coated in the substance back in April. Initially, the cat was able to wash the substance off but then came a noticeable change in her behaviour before she fell ill.
Has your cat been affected? Let us know in the comments.
She was taken to the vets and although there was no toxicology analysis, vets concluded that she had been poisoned. Buzby was failing to respond to veterinary treatment and she suffered organ failure before she was put to sleep on May 24.
The RSPCA says it is difficult to determine if cases of poisoning are accidental incidents or deliberate. But poisoning an animal deliberately is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Signs of poisoning include vomiting, the animals may appear depressed or sleepy, and there may be uncoordinated movements, seizures and breathing difficulties. The RSPCA has said if you suspect your pet has been poisoned seek the help of a vet immediately and, if possible, take with you a sample of the suspected poison.
All these incidents have taken place in the Horsforth area ( Leeds, LS18 4BP), but the RSPCA says cat owners should be wary across the city. Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
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