Toxic Trap: Rat Poison and Antifreeze Kill Cats in Gahanna
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By now, many in the Gahanna, Ohio community have heard the heartbreaking news: several outdoor cats were poisoned last summer—and again in December—with necropsy results confirming the presence of both rat poison and antifreeze in at least one cat's system. But despite these findings, no charges have been filed.
For the dedicated rescuers at Columbus Dog Connection, this wasn’t just another call for help—it was a devastating case that has haunted them for months.
“The first one I saw was a tiny kitten, and it was just lying there just gasping for breath. I can’t unsee that,” said Linda Diroll, Board Member and Treasurer of Columbus Dog Connection.
A Pattern of Harm
The story began when Columbus Dog Connection was asked to help with a large outdoor cat population in a Gahanna neighborhood. The organization paid to spay and neuter the cats and then returned them to the area—a standard and humane method known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). One neighbor was regularly feeding the cats, and like so many well-intentioned caretakers, had become a lifeline for them.
But something changed. Containers filled with green chunks—what appeared to be rat poison—began showing up in the yard. Mixed in were pieces of chicken and a suspicious liquid that tests later confirmed to be antifreeze.
The result? Several cats were found sick or already dead. Some were rushed to the vet, but many had to be euthanized due to the severity of their condition.
“The necropsy report came back that she had died from the rat poison, and there was also anti-freeze in her tissues,” said Mirna Bowman, Director of Columbus Dog Connection.
By December, two more dead cats were found in the same area. The same kind of toxic mixture was discovered—same containers, same poison.
No Charges Filed
Despite the evidence and repeated patterns, Gahanna police announced that the city prosecutor would not file charges, citing insufficient evidence.
“No one’s going to admit doing it, and that’s frustrating,” Diroll said.
For those who work tirelessly to help animals, it’s not just frustrating—it’s enraging.
The case remains on file, and police say they are open to revisiting it if new evidence comes to light. But for now, those responsible remain unidentified and unpunished.
What You Can Do
This story is more than a local tragedy—it’s a reminder of the dangers outdoor cats face and the importance of responsible caregiving. Diroll and Bowman urge residents to:
Keep cats indoors whenever possible to protect them from harm.
Spay and neuter community cats to prevent overpopulation and reduce stress on neighborhoods.
Be vigilant: If you see anything suspicious—containers of food or liquid left out in unusual places—report it.
Partner with rescue organizations like Columbus Dog Connection to access resources for TNR and care.
Jane, one of the surviving cats from the Gahanna colony, is now safe and up for adoption. Her resilience is a small bright spot in an otherwise devastating story.
But she shouldn’t have to be a survivor. None of them should.
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