GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Multiple cat owners in Graaff-Reinet are worried that someone might be purposefully poisoning their beloved pets.

Petronella Knowles, a resident of Le Roux Street, wrote on facebook this week that three of her cats have been found dead within a month, "with no visible injuries on their bodies and foam coming from their mouths".

Knowles told the Advertiser on Wednesday morning that she was waiting for results from a vet about the latest incident.

Two more residents said that they suspect their cats were also poisoned, while two others said that their cats have been missing for a while.

According to Graaff-Reinet SPCA Inspector, Hillary Chaplin, the SPCA has received no formal complaints about cat poisoning. Capt Bradley Rawlinson of the Graaff-Reinet SAPS was also unaware of any such incidents.

"In the past, the SPCA has had a case of poisoning, but it remains unclear whether it was intentional or accidental," said Chaplin.

She urged cat owners to not bury their pet if they suspect that the animal died of poisoning.

"Contact the SPCA, and an autopsy will be done by a vet to confirm the cause of death."

Chaplin said that the common signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea and sudden death, "but a vet is better able to diagnose poisoning".

She urged pet owners who suspect poisoning to contact the SPCA with as much information as possible.

"Poisoning causes severe suffering and the SPCA will not hesitate to open a case of animal cruelty against the culprits."

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