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Archive 2004 |
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First
published on 21 May 2004 Big cats on the prowl near you There have been numerous sightings of big cats across Wiltshire, many of them pre-dating the British Big Cats’ Society’s survey. One correspondent on the Evening Advertiser’s Weird Wiltshire Big Cat Forum recalls an 18lb Scottish wildcat being brought into a veterinary surgery in Blunsdon after being struck by a vehicle. This week, the British Big Cats Society released data from its 15-month survey, which took place between January 2003 and March 2004. The results, published on the BBCS website, www.britishbigcats.org, indicate that there is little doubt that big cats are roaming Britain. The BBCS is calling on the Department For Food The Environment and Rural Affairs and the Home Office to work to undertake a long-term, UK-wide scientific study. Danny Bamping, the founder of the BBCS, says: “The evidence has been growing and is increasingly clear we are now going to approach the proper authorities to ask for their support in undertaking a scientific study on the big cats in Britain. “We’d like to focus on the South West this is the most active area and is where the BBCS is based. “The survey has yielded some staggering figures throughout Britain but it has also produced scientific evidence, both visual and physical, supporting the presence of exotic felines here. “The data includes five reports of attacks on horses, more than 30 incidents regarding sheep kills and several confirmed discoveries of paw prints, from which plaster casts have been taken. “More than a dozen bits of video footage have been sent to the BBCS and, while several of them are obviously not big cats, some could well be. “The problem with visual evidence is basically the sense of scale. Until we go to these locations and carry out proper study of the areas they will remain inconclusive. “A location in Lincolnshire where a hair sample was found proved to be the same place where a big cat had been filmed and where police and DEFRA officials had been called in. “The hair was studied and found to be from the big cat family. “Over the last 18 months sightings in this area have more than doubled and the society’s research has revealed that it was once a haven for people with private collections small zoos of exotic animals, including big cats. “Recently the society has given a presentation of its evidence and data to the DEFRA Wildlife Unit. “After attending the annual Police Wildlife Liaison conference last year, the BBCS is now aware of potential changing attitudes within the authorities. “During these last few years we have certainly made pro-gress in getting our message heard. “Not only has this been to the public through the media but also to the proper authorities who are responsible for the current and future situation. “The presentation of the data I gave on behalf of the BBCS to the DEFRA Wildlife Unit was well received and I was black and white in informing them of my conclusion. “I said they should finally admit the facts and undertake a proper study of the animals and their presence here in the UK. “When that is complete DEFRA should release the facts and deal with the situation in the necessary, educated, way. “About nine years ago the Government undertook a minor study into the presence of the Beast of Bodmin Moor. “They concluded that they could not conclude! “It’s about time they took the issue seriously and became proactive, rather than remaining as reactive as they have been up until now.” Back to 2004 index |
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