TWO cats have been poisoned in Chippenham prompting an investigation by police after it was claimed by their owner that meat was laced with antifreeze.

Tina Elliott’s cats – five-year-old Shiloh and Twix, aged six – were killed after swallowing the antifreeze last month in the Hill Rise area of Chippenham.

Shiloh died overnight on November 23 before Miss Elliott could take him to the vet and several days later on November 29, Twix was put down.

“The vet confirmed that Twix had been poisoned and had so much in her system her kidneys had been destroyed,” said Miss Elliott, 45, of Heathfield, who is manager of the Bear Hotel in Chippenham.

“They said it was not the result of her drinking a small amount of antifreeze, and more likely deliberate.

“A couple of days later, I found meat fat spread over my front lawn, it was blue in colour so I feel that the death of my beloved cats was a deliberate act, not an accident.

“I know that not everyone is a fan of cats, but there is no excuse for killing an innocent animal, I’m deeply hurt.”

Daniel Webb, standing as a Liberal Democrat in the area, has been leafleting about the issue in Hill Rise after two other cats died in September as a result of anti-freeze poisoning.

He said: “I’ve been contacted by various people who say the same thing has happened to them but whether this is a criminal act I don’t know.”

Police are also investigating whether a BB gun is being fired at cats in the area, after pellets were found on the ground near to where Shiloh and Twix used to lie.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We have received a report that two cats have fallen ill and subsequently died in the Hill Rise area of Chippenham and it is believed by vets that the cause of death was ingestion of food laced with anti-freeze. “It is unknown at this time if this was a deliberate act or if this was accidental. “We are warning members of the public to be mindful of any chemicals you have in your garden and be aware that targeting cats in this way is a criminal offence.”

“It is also possible that a BB gun is being used to try to shoot cats as well.”

Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101.