Investigation underway after cats are poisoned with antifreeze in Ohio

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Authorities in Warren, Ohio, are investigating a case of antifreeze poisoning of community cats in a mobile home community. It is believed that at least 3 cats were killed by the act.

Following a report on March 26, 2025, humane agents from the nonprofit charity Animal Welfare League (AWL) of Trumbull County in Warren, Ohio, found 3 bowls containing tuna mixed with antifreeze and bleach in an outdoor location at the Blue Water Manor mobile home community in Trumbull County. A bottle of bleach was found discarded near the bowls on the ground.

“All signs point to local community cats, or unowned cats who live outdoors, as the target of deliberate poisoning,” wrote Alley Cat Allies, an advocacy organization for cats, in a news release.¹ “Three cats are believed to have consumed the poisoned food and died as a result.”

Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in antifreeze, is highly toxic to cats. The liquid has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Although many antifreeze products now include a bittering agent, many cats are still not deterred from drinking it.² Just 1 teaspoon of ethylene glycol is enough to poison a cat.¹ “Cats who ingest the toxin suffer a slow and painful death,” wrote Alley Cat Allies.¹

Alley Cat Allies is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the prosecution and conviction of those involved in the antifreeze poisoning. Anyone with any information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Trumbull AWL Humane Investigations Department at 330-539-5300 or humane@AWLTrumbull.com.

“Alley Cat Allies is working with Trumbull AWL to ensure justice is served for the cats who suffered and died under this act of senseless, disturbing cruelty,” Charlene Pedrolie, president and chief operating officer of Alley Cat Allies, said in the news release.¹ “We ask anyone with information to please come forward, for the sake of these cats and the many more whose lives are at risk right now.”

Signs of ethylene glycol poisoning

Clinical signs of ethylene glycol poisoning are time- and dose-dependent and can be divided in 3 stages^2,3:

• Stage 1 occurs within 30 minutes to 12 hours of ingestion. During this period, symptoms mimic alcohol intoxication. Cats may exhibit signs of lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, polydipsia, and polyuria. Central nervous system symptoms may also occur, including depression, stupor, ataxia, knuckling, and decreased proprioception.
• Stage 2 occurs 12 to 24 hours post-ingestion. Dehydration can occur, along with an elevated heart rate and faster breathing. Some of the signs of toxicity seem to improve drastically in this stage, which may create a false sense of security in pet owners.
• Stage 3 also happens 12 to 24 hours after ingestion. At this stage, oliguric acute kidney failure precedes anuria. In the abdomen, painful and enlarged kidneys can be detected. Additional symptoms include tachycardia, tachypnea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcers, salivation, lethargy, seizures, coma, and death.

To confirm ethylene glycol poisoning, veterinarians should conduct a point-of-care semiquantitative test or measurement of serum ethylene glycol concentration, perform a physical examination, and look at the patient’s history and laboratory data.³ Treatment consists of intravenous fluid therapy; 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP, fomepizole), 20% ethanol boluses, or 30% ethanol constant-rate infusion; supportive care, including treatment of metabolic derangements; and gastrointestinal support.³

References

1. Alley Cat Allies offers $10,000 reward for information on deadly antifreeze poisoning of cats in Warren, Ohio. News release. Alley Cat Allies. March 31, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.alleycat.org/alley-cat-allies-offers-10000-reward-for-information-on-deadly-antifreeze-poisoning-of-cats-in-warren-ohio/
2. Schmid R, Brutlag A, Ruotsalo K, et al. Ethylene glycol poisoning in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ethylene-glycol-poisoning-in-cats
3. Regehr T. Ethylene glycol toxicosis in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. September 2024. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/ethylene-glycol-toxicosis/ethylene-glycol-toxicosis-in-animals