Animal welfare officers are investigating after two poisoned cats died and another was left ill on a residential street.
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the animals fell ill at the Dill Hall Lane and Kingsley Close area of Church.
The charity confirmed that one cat has died, one has been put to sleep and a third is currently under veterinary treatment.
Neighbours have slammed the ‘sick’ offenders, who they claim that a female cat who was nursing a litter of kittens was targetted.
The residents believe the cats had eaten chicken bones soaked in anti-freeze.
Residents along Dill Hall Lane said they were shocked to hear of the ‘bizarre’ activity.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said has not let her young kitten out since being warned of the incidents.
She said: “It horrible. I’ve just recently bought a kitten and I wouldn’t let it go out now.
“It’s the first I’ve heard of anything like this around here – it’s quite shocking.
“There was a ginger tom that used to come down here and I think he’s been affected.
“You don’t poison animals, it’s just sick. It’s also dangerous for children.”
Another neighbour, who also wished to remain anonymous, said leaflets have been distributed throughout the neighbourhood warning cat owners.
He said: “We’re just trying to work out who would do something like this.
“It’s very strange and quite shocking – this is a nice neighbourhood.”
The RSPCA confirmed that three cats have been affected.
RSPCA spokesperson Leanne Plumtree said: “The RSPCA has been contacted about three cats poisoned in the Dill Hall Lane and Kingsley Close area of Accrington.
“One cat has died, one cat has been put to sleep and a third cat is under veterinary treatment.
“We can't say any more at this stage as our investigation is on-going.”
Anyone with any specific information should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for inspector Katherine Hamblin.
