I READ about cats and dogs dying in agony after drinking antifreeze and eating rat poison, which is being deliberately put out, it seems (The Argus, April 3).

If someone is indiscriminately doing this, they need to be caught quickly. They have serious personal problems.

Imagine putting down a known poison deliberately, which any person or animal could inadvertently come into contact with.

Why can’t the manufacturers of antifreeze prevent this product tasting so attractively sweet to children and animals?

Failing this, there is a safer alternative to traditional antifreeze: propylene glycol. Like antifreeze, propylene glycol is odourless, but differs in that it is virtually tasteless and does not cause kidney damage.

In fact, propylene glycol has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the US as a food additive. It is classified as “generally recognised as safe” for human consumption.

If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, it is crucial you get veterinary care as quickly as possible. Waiting could prove to be a fatal delay.

David Hammond, North Court, Hassocks

IN VIEW of these poisoned animals, maybe pest control should be left to local authorities.

Ours always puts up a notice to warn dog walkers so they can keep their pets on a lead or avoid the area.

As well as this, surely the manufacturers of antifreeze could include an ingredient repellent to domestic pets.

As for the perpetrators of deliberate poisonings, what a pity those who rob a cat of its nine lives cannot be introduced to a cat with nine tails.

A few lashes would be more effective than six months in prison.

R Reeves, Burford Road, Horsham