Ronald Kerr is now keeping his pet cats indoors

Former soldier Ronald Kerr has been left devastated by the deaths in St Combs, near Fraserburgh.

Mr Kerr, 49, said: "I had to bury them myself and that was absolutely heart-breaking."

The Scottish SPCA has been called in and the animal charity said the culprit could face prison and a fine of up to �20,000 for the poisoning.

When the first cat staggered home Mr Kerr rushed it to the nearest vet but it died of kidney failure minutes. Within the space of a week, two more of his cats were dead.

Why would someone want to do this? I really miss them Ronald Kerr

Mr Kerr said: "I was suspicious after the first one passed away because she was a very healthy cat, but the vet put her death down to kidney failure.

"Then two days later a neighbour said they found my other cat at the back of their house. She was dead - as stiff as a board.

'Defenceless creatures'

"So I decided to get an autopsy done and it came back later that she had been poisoned with antifreeze.

"The following day one of the other cats died of the same thing.

"Why would someone want to do this? I really miss them."

Mr Kerr, a Scottish Gas meter reader, now fears for the lives of his three remaining cats Bubble, Pumpkin and Toby, who he said were pining for the dead trio.

He said: "I am being forced to keep them in. I just can't afford to let them go, but they're eager to get outside. But I can't take that chance.

"I would love to get hold of this person and show them what they have done. They are preying on defenceless creatures.

'Very dangerous'

"And it could be so much worse - what if a child messed around with the stuff.

"Kids are always putting their fingers in their mouths, a child could die, just because this person hates cats."

Initial signs of poisoning include a shaking, poor appetite, faster heart rate and dehydration. Pets need to be seen by a vet quickly.

Chief Inspector John Carle, of the Scottish SPCA, said: "Antifreeze is very dangerous to pets because it has a sweet taste that attracts cats, dogs and even rabbits.

"It is illegal to poison animals and these offences are taken very seriously.

"The SSPCA can bring prosecutions to the fiscal service and from next year the maximum prison sentence will be one year along with a maximum fine of �20,000."