Three cats had to be put down after they were poisoned with anti-freeze.

The Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation an is appealing for information after the cats were targeted on the same street in East Ayrshire.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted after the cats returned home to Onthank Drive in Kilmarnock on October 24.

The owners became concerned for the well-being of their pets so took them to local vets where they had to be put to sleep.

An undercover inspector from the charity's Special Investigations Unit said: "A number of cats in this area have been poisoned with anti-freeze over the past few years.

"Unfortunately one of the owners in this case has had her pets poisoned twice, each time leading to them being put to sleep.

"This was not an accident and someone is intentionally killing these cats. We ask anyone with information to get in touch to prevent anymore animals being needlessly killed."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.