Due to “poison” being spread around their front lawn, a couple is now “terrified” to let their cat outside.
A warning that “tragic things” would happen to their cherished cat Mr. Tom was received by Leslie Ward, 75, and his partner Patricia, 78.
Then, last week, they found a curious brown powder outside their Laceby, Grimsby, home.
According to Leslie, who spoke to GrimsbyLive, “The garden was covered in brown powder,” indicating that the individual was genuinely attempting to hurt her cat and any passing animals.
‘It is worrying because there’s also foxes and hedgehogs around. I have rung the RSPCA and they have said it is illegal to put poison down, that it is got to be segregated from wildlife or other animals, and that cats have got the right to roam.
‘Unfortunately we can’t follow Mr Tom about with a small scoop.’
It is yet unclear if the powder is indeed poison, but Leslie thought it is better to be safe than sorry.
To raise awareness amongst neighbours, the bricklayer installed a sign outside his house.
It reads: ‘Please be aware that unauthorised poisons have been used in the local vicinity. Dog walkers and pet owners be vigilant.’
Leslie and Patricia have had Mr Tom for eight years now, after their previous cat Lucy passed away.
He began visiting them at their old home on Gibraltar Lane, and has since become a cherished pet.
Leslie said: ‘We have been told to keep him in, but he likes to roam at night.
‘I am terrified whenever he goes out, he is such an awkward cat and he wants to go out. If I do not get up to let him out he rips the bed to pieces.’
Last summer, the RSPCA issued a warning to cat owners after the deaths of three animals in suspected poisoning incidents.
At the time, the charity said it can be difficult to determine if cases are accidental or deliberate.
But poisoning an animal deliberately is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act.