The Scottish SSPCA has warned of a “deliberate targeted” attack on cats after food laced with rat poison was found in Fife.
The charity has appealed for information after a member of the public reported finding the suspected poisoned cat food in Dalgety Bay on Monday morning.
A resident of Morven Place discovered a paper case filled with tinned meat with blue grains mixed through it lying on the ground behind the back wheel of her car.
The food was contained by the finder and has been removed by the SSPCA for examination.
Senior inspector John Chisholm said: “The lady made the unsettling discovery on Saturday and she believes the food was left there some time between Friday night and Saturday morning.
“At this stage we cannot confirm what substance the blue grains are, but we think they are highly likely to be some sort of rat poison. This may not kill a cat outright but would certainly cause serious harm and suffering.
“The finder was quite distressed because she is caring for her neighbour’s cat at the moment, and he often sits next to her car.
“This may have been a deliberate, targeted attack and we are conducting door-to-door enquiries in the area to establish whether anyone knows anything or has seen anyone acting suspiciously.
“We are very concerned by increasing reports of suspected cat poisonings all over the country. This is the latest in a number of incidents that we have been alerted to in recent months.
“We are urging cat owners to be vigilant and asking anyone with information about this matter to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”