Concerns have been raised following a spate of suspicious cat deaths in Newry.
Helena Young from the Meadow and Armagh Road Community Association said she had spoken to both the USPCA and Environmental Health this morning (Wednesday) about the issue.
However, both agencies are unable to act because “cats are free roaming animals”.
The issue came to light over the past fortnight following the deaths of of a number of pet cats in College Gardens / Violet Hill Avenue area.
“Two of these cats have been brought to the vet following their deaths and it has been confirmed that they have been poisoned,” commented Ms Young.
“The owners of at least four of these cats had to watch their family pets suffer the most excruciating death – it has been awful for them.
“It is possible that up to 10 cats have been poisoned in the last weeks.”
Ms Young asked those responsible for this reprehensible act to stop immediately.
She added: “These animals are suffering horrific deaths and families have had to suffer with the trauma of watching their family pet die.
“Another concerning issue is that poisonous substances are potentially being left around the locality and this could present other dangers to residents.”
