PET owners in Hampshire have called for tough sentences for those found guilty of cat poisoning.

It comes as figures reveal that the number of cats poisoned across the UK has sky-rocketed in the past year and have prompted a government inquiry into tougher deterrents.

Figures from the Cats Protection revealed that 471 cats suffered suspected or confirmed poisoning from antifreeze – which is up from 50 instances the year before.

Already this year 141 cats have fallen foul to poisonings according to figures from Labour MP Andy Slaughter.

MPs have complained that not enough is being done to deter offenders as just one in 10 of the 752 people found guilty “of causing, permitting or failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals” were jailed last year.

Andrew Selous, a justice minister, pledged to “reflect” on whether the current sentencing guidelines were working effectively.

Angela Diaper from Hedge End lost two of her cats in suspected poisonings and believes that more should be done to deter people.

She said: “I think those who are caught should be made an example of for doing this, if they are found guilty.”

“I would welcome people going to prison because you only have to see the effect it has on families and the cats themselves, it is horrible and it was devastating for my family.”

Jenni Richards' cat Pandora survived being poisoned in September last year but is still suffering long-term vision problems.

The incident was among a string of suspected poisonings in Totton which saw three cats die in the area.

Jenni, said: “I think there should be tougher deterrents but I am unsure whether putting people in prison is the right thing because the prison service is under a lot of strain.”

Jenni believes that pet owners should be issued more advice and education about poisoning along with those who commit the crime.

She added: “It is a tough one because how much police time can you put into it, because its really hard to catch the offenders.

“Perhaps more awareness should go out to help pet owners and also touch the conscience of those doing it.”

Poisoning a cat or dog is a criminal offence and those found guilty can face a fine of £20,000 and six months in jail.