12th January 2004
NFU in search for big cats | |
|  | | Are Big Cats out there? |
| | For the first time ever, the farming community has been asked to take part in a survey to establish if Big Cats are roaming the British countryside. Devon is said to be one of the country's biggest "Big Cat" hotspots. |
|  | | The National Farmers' Union has teamed up with the British Big Cats Society to try to gather more evidence about the existence of Big Cats in Devon.
Farmers are being asked to report any sightings by the NFU, which says it's a serious issue because of the threat to livestock.
For years, there have been reports of mysterious sightings of Big Cats in Devon - in particular, big black cats have been spotted in the countryside.
An NFU spokesman said: "There is anecdotal evidence among farmers and society at large that there are Big Cats roaming wild in our countryside.
"If it is true, it is a serious issue for farmers who need to be aware of threats to their animals from worrying and attacks."
This is the first time the farming community has been involved in such as survey.
The British Big Cats Society says the number of big cat animal kills and sightings around the country have been growing steadily.
But The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says there is no proof that Big Cats are roaming the British countryside.
NFU Members are being asked to submit any information to the British Big Cats Society.
BBC Devon Online also has a Big Cats messageboard, where you can tell us about your sightings.
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