A POISONING investigation has been launched after five cats died within three weeks in a Pendle village.

The RSPCA said it had been called by five grieving pet owners in Barrowford.

Cats belonging to people living in Nora Street, Belmont Terrace, Lucy Street and Higher Causeway, were all said to have been poisoned.

Pet owners said they fear someone was targeting the animals and leaflets have been distributed warning people to keep a close eye on their cats.

The animal charity is also urging people to come forward with information so officers can make progress with the investigation.

It has taken on the probe, rather than the police, because it prosecutes animal cruelty cases.

Jo Brown, who lives in Lucy Street with her daughter six year-old daughter Mia, said their cat Chariey died almost three weeks ago.

The four year-old black and white cat went out on the night of Thursday June 3 and fell ill after returning the next morning.

Miss Brown said: “When he arrived back he seemed fine, but he went very quiet around midday.

"Then I found him in the playroom at around 2pm in a really bad state.

"He couldn’t breathe, his eyes were glazed and blue and he had been sick twice.”

Charley was rushed to the Stanley House surgery, in Colne, where Miss Brown said vets told her the cat had kidney failure as a result of poisoning.

The veterinary surgery yesterday confirmed that Charley had been treated there.

Miss Brown thought Charley’s death was an isolated incident until a neighbour told her other cats had died in similar circumstances.

She said: “I feel angry and don’t want the same thing to happen to others.”

Lynn Wilson, of Belmont Terrace, started a leaflet campaign after hearing of the deaths.

She said: “We just don't want any more cats dying in this way. It is a very cruel way to die.”

Jonathan Townsend, who lives next door to Miss Brown, has a two year-old cat calley Honey.

He said people were extremely worried after hearing of the poisonings and he was making sure his pet stayed indoors at night.

AN RSPCA spokesman said: “I can confirm that the RSPCA is aware of the cat poisonings in Barrowford.

“Currently there is not enough evidence to proceed but if evidence comes to light or there are further complaints, they will be followed up and then that may change the situation.”

The maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is a £20,000 fine, 12 months in custody and a lifetime ban on keeping pets.

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact Mrs Wilson, who will forward the details to the RSPCA. Call 01282 449049.