Vet treats cats dipped in turpentine

Someone in the Hamilton suburb of Glenview is dipping cats in turps.

In the past two weeks, three turpentine-doused cats have been treated at Glenview's Veterinary Centre.

The turpentine burned their skin, and when the cats tried to lick it off, created ulcers in their mouths and stomachs.

All three recovered after being given anti-inflammatory drugs and washed with a degreasing agent and shampoo.

Glenview community Constable Bill Taua said the cats were from one neighbourhood and might have been targeted by someone angry about wandering cats.

There have been several incidents recently involving animals in the area. Someone has been letting animals out of cages, and several months ago, the driver of a black car was seen trying to run cats over by driving on to the footpath.

The turpentine-dousing follows the case in May of two Huntly youths who poured glue over trapped cats and then set them on fire.

- NZPA