More cats poisoned in Faerie Glen
Two more cats have been poisoned in Faerie Glen.
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES
Two more cats have been poisoned in the ongoing saga of cat poisoning in Faerie Glen.
According to Amy Blaine, chairperson of the Faerie View residential complex where all the cats have been poisoned, two more cats were poisoned last week, but luckily one survived.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said his cat was fortunate to survive. “When I noticed my cat was unwell, I rushed him to the vet. Luckily I was in time and he survived.”
This brings the number of cats poisoned at Faerie View to eight. The seven dead cats were all taken to Faerie Glen Animal Clinic and necropsy reports were performed on them.
Each cat was found to have been poisoned by the same poison, seemingly hidden in pieces of chicken meat and liver.
The report by the animal clinic states: “The stomach content of the cats was found to contain the carbamate pesticide ‘carbofuran’. Carbofuran is a highly toxic pesticide used to protect crops, seeds and seedlings against nematodes and other pests. By the time the crops are harvested the carbofuran has been broken down and if used correctly the food is then safe for consumption.”
The report adds: “Carbofuran is highly toxic (half a teaspoon is fatal to a human) and is considered a neurotoxin as it inhibits acetyl-choline esterase enzyme. It is mainly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract but minimal absorption can occur through the skin and through inhalation. Clinical signs include disorientation, nausea, excessive salivation, mydriatic pupils and eventually death. Carbofuran is also teratogenic and carcinogenic. There is no direct antidote and treatment is aimed at treating the neurological effects of the poison. Atropine is the treatment of choice, but by itself is also highly dangerous.”
“Carbofuran is a highly controlled substance and is only supposed to be sold to registered farmers. It is a banned substance in Canada, USA and the European Union.”
In one of the necropsies, the animal clinic noted: “Accidental poisoning in this manner is highly unlikely and the presence of the blue-green granules are highly suspicious.”
Following this revelation, Blaine said she was contacted by the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries who confirmed that they will launch an investigation into the poisonings as well.
Blaine said the information had been passed onto the NSPCA and police to investigate.
“From all the residents at Faerie View complex – a big thank you to the vets at Faerie Glen Animal Clinic for their support and dedication in this difficult time.”
Also read:
Progress in Faerie Glen cat poisoning saga
Six cats killed in Faerie Glen
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