A SERIAL cat killer could be behind the deaths of six pets.
Neighbours are on high alert following the deaths of the animals after eating food contaminated with anti-freeze.
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Among the Baxenden cat owners affected is Hyndburn MP Graham Jones whose moggie Jaffa, who he shared with his partner, was struck down earlier this year.
Two of the attacks in the Coleridge Drive and Warmden Avenue areas were carried out in the past two weeks.
Mr Jones said the killing of Jaffa, a long haired ginger tom, had deeply upset his partner Kimberley Whitehead.
The deaths, which have all occurred over a period of less than a year, have left other owners afraid to let their pets out.
The RSPCA have now been contacted about the reports and is set to launch an investigation.
Mr Jones said: “Me and my partner’s cat was in absolute agony and we had no choice but to put it down.
“Watching your pet be put to sleep in front of you is a very emotional experience.
“She was very distressed and it is still upsetting to think about. She is still devastated about what happened.
“The number of deaths in the immediate area is very suspicious.
“It seems that the cats are being attracted to food or water that has been poisoned with anti freeze.
“It is very difficult to investigate and to prove that someone is doing this. I would call on people to be vigilant.
“Animal cruelty is abhorrent and I hope whoever is doing this is caught as soon as possible.”
Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents Baxenden on Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “I think that people are becoming increasing concerned and worried about it.
“You never know when it will strike again and I would call on people to be extra vigilant with their animals at this time.
“I’m told that it has been happened all over Baxenden and is not localised to one area.
“This must be very distressing for the owners who have lost their cats.
“I hope that we are able to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible and sort it all out.”
Jenna Cox, who lives in Warmden Avenue and owns two cats, Freya, two, and Lulu, 16, said: “I was not worried until I heard the RSPCA were investigating.
“Now I’m worried about Freya because she is the one who goes out.
“I quite honestly don’t know what I can do unless I lock the cat flap for a few weeks.
“I can’t imagine anyone round here would want to kill cats. Some don’t like them but they would not do something like this.
“I should probably try and keep Freya in now.”
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “If you suspect that your cat or dog has been poisoned you must take it to a vet immediately.
“Poisoning a cat is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.
“If anyone has any information about a suspected poisoning they can contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”
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