Burlington cats die after being fed treats laced with acetaminophen

TORONTO – Halton Regional Police are investigating the deaths of three cats after they were fed feline treats given to the pets’ owner by an unknown man in a Burlington, Ont. park last month.

Authorities say a woman was approached by an individual on August 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Spencer Smith Park when he asked her if she had pets.

The man then handed her a free bag of “nationally branded package” treats.

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The owner gave her three cats the food on Sept. 8 and the animals became seriously ill and died soon after.

Necropsies performed on the felines determined the treats contained traces of acetaminophen.

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Investigators have not been able to determine the motive behind the incident but are looking for information from the public.

The man who provided the package is described as white, 25-30 years, with a slim build. He was wearing a baseball cap, orange apron and carrying a newspaper style carrying bag.