Sandwell vets call for law change after pets killed by anti-freeze
Vets have made calls changes to be made to anti-freeze products, to protect people's pets from harm.
Staff at White Cross Vets, based in Regent Street, Tividale, say they have treated several pets in the last few weeks who have ingested the sweet-tasting liquid and died from kidney failure as a result.
They are now urging people to sign a petition calling on manufactures to add a bittering agent to make the taste less appealing to pets.
Bonnie Leibowitch, Clinic Director at the practice, said: "We see too many poisoned pets across our practices every year who are in distress after swallowing antifreeze either as a terrible accident or a malicious act of cruelty.
"The deadly ingredient Ethylene Glycol is highly toxic and because of its sweet taste it is especially appealing to pets but just one teaspoon is enough to kill a cat and a tablespoon will kill a dog.
"If an accidental spill occurs and a pet either drinks or walks through the antifreeze and then licks their paws it can kill them.
"We have also seen cases where pets have been intentionally poisoned with food that has been soaked in antifreeze. However, these cases could be prevented if antifreeze wasn't sweet tasting and included bittering agents."
Figures from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reveal Ethylene Glycol poisoning is the most common cause of death among pets on its database and 90 percent of cats that swallow antifreeze will die as a result.
Ethylene Glycol is also included in many screen wash products.
The clinic director added added: "As winter approaches people will be filling up their cars with screen wash and it's easily spilt.
"If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned with this substance, it's essential they see a vet straight away.
"Early treatment can often be effective but many pets that are left untreated unfortunately have to be put to sleep or die of kidney failure within days."
Naomi Fountain, whose pet cat Mischief died of antifreeze poisoning in 2009, is petitioning the Government to change existing laws.
She said: "Incredibly, the majority of people are totally unaware of the dangers that antifreeze poses to both pets and people.
"Currently our petition has over 20,000 signatures, and if we can stop just one person from going through what I did by raising awareness and encouraging change, we will have succeeded."
To sign the petition visit www.whitecrossvets.co.uk or call the Tividale practice on 01384 884 141.
