Sheep slaughter prompts fresh ‘big cat’ worries (From The Northern Echo)

Sheep slaughter prompts fresh ‘big cat’ worries

10:55am Thursday 2nd December 2010 in News By Vicki Henderson, Darlington reporter

POLICE are carrying out DNA tests on the carcasses of two sheep after fears they may have been savaged by a big cat.

Officers were called to the scene after the sheep bore the marks of an attack by a large creature.

They had been stripped to the bone and wildlife officers from the North Yorkshire Police are now liaising with experts from the Big Cats Society to determine if a large cat is responsible.

The carcasses were found at Buddle House Farm, near Kirby Hill, Richmond.

A spokesman for the force confirmed DNA samples have been taken from the bones to determine what kind of creature has killed the animals.

The findings will add to speculation about the so-called Durham Puma, which is said to have been prowling around Weardale and the Yorkshire Dales for several years.

Big cat enthusiasts claim a number of cats, including pumas, panthers and lynxes, were released or escaped from private zoos in the Seventies and continue to roam around the countryside.

Mark Rasbeary, wildlife officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: “There have been a number of incidents over the years, but there has never been any definitive proof that there is a big cat out there.”

A farmer from Ravensworth, a village close to the site of the Kirby Hill attack, also reported that a number of his sheep were attacked several weeks ago. Police were unable to confirm the report at the time.

PC John Wilbor, rural crime officer at North Yorkshire Police, said the public have nothing to fear from any big cat that might be roaming the countryside.

He said: “These animals can travel a wide area, and by their nature, they are very secretive and can hide themselves away.

“If someone did come across a big cat, there’s nothing to say they would be a threat – the animal would probably run away.”

However, he said farmers should keep an eye on their livestock.

The latest reports are not the first time a big cat has been reported in North Yorkshire. In 1995, police in Malton opened a file on the so-called Beast Of Ryedale, when a cream puma-type animal was spotted.

In May 2006, an image was captured by a dog-walker as he strolled in a field near the A19 at Osgodby, near Selby, showing a black panther-like creature.