Ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal’s black Persian cat is put down

A cat belonging to poisoned ex-spy Sergei Skripal was put down by the government in the wake of the nerve agent attack.

The black Persian cat Nash Van Drake was found in a ‘distressed state’ at his home in Salisbury, the Mail can reveal. 

A veterinary surgeon made a decision to euthanise the animal to ‘alleviate its suffering’, it was said. 

Mr Skripal’s two guinea pigs were also found dead in his home when a vet gained access to the property. 

The family had a cat imported called Masyanya (pictured) from Russia and one more cat from a shelter 

Sources said it was believed the guinea pigs had died due to lack of water and had not been poisoned. 

Their whereabouts were brought into question after the Russian foreign ministry asked if they had been affected. 

The decision to put down the cat was made by a veterinary surgeon in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, sources stressed last night. 

They said the animals were disposed of appropriately. A government spokesperson said: ‘The property in Wiltshire was sealed as part of the police investigation. 

Sergei Skripal’s niece, Viktoria Skripal (left), said reports that her uncle and his daughter (right, with her cat) were hit with a lethal nerve agent while at home are ‘nonsense’

Mr Skripal’s two guinea pigs were also found dead in his home when a vet gained access to the property

‘When a vet was able to access the property, two guinea pigs had sadly died. A cat was also found in a distressed state and a decision was taken by a veterinary surgeon to euthanise the animal to alleviate its suffering. 

‘This decision was taken in the best interests of the animal and its welfare.’ 

Russian spokesman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday: ‘Where are the pets? What’s their condition?’ 

The MoD refused to comment on whether the animals had been tested at Porton Down science laboratory.