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Mutilated Sheep Spark new Fear
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Mutilated Sheep Spark new Fear
By Lynn Grainger
Stafford Post: 31st August 2008
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The discovery of an horrifically mutilated sheep carcass at Norton Bridge has strengthened claims a big cat could be on the loose in Stafford Borough.
In recent weeks dozens of Post readers have contacted us, convinced they have seen a panther-like creature stalking the borough.
Now Post reader Katie Hill has revealed her pet sheep 'Minnie' was found decapitated two weeks ago.
And a leading wildlife expert has confirmed the 'kill' could well have been made by the 'Stafford beast'.
Katie explained a friend had discovered the corpse of the six-month-old pet while she and her family were on holiday. "The head had been removed - there was nothing left of it, only the jaw bone, and you could clearly see toothmarks in it.
"The hind leg had been pulled up through the neck hole. The heart, lungs and other internal organs had also been removed - there wasn't really much left of her."
Katie said there was only a small mark indicating where the animal had been pulled to the ground:
"There was nothing in the area to indicate a struggle - it was clear she had been completely overpowered. She was a confident, plucky thing, but whatever it was killed Minnie very quickly - and managed to jump our six foot fence."
The concerned landowner contacted Alf Hardy. Based at Amerton Farm, near Stafford, Alf operates the British Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Although he did not see the sheep's remains first-hand he told us he was '1000 per cent certain' the animal had been attacked by a big cat due to the nature of its injuries. "[Big cats] go for the neck and then pull [their prey] down. When they feed, they start with the tongue and the cheeks and work down."
And Alf said the incident was one of many recorded across the borough and Staffordshire. "There have been no end of them. We have a photograph of another sheep that was attacked, and it's also gone for calves."
He said the attack was definitely not the work of a stray dog. "Whatever it was jumped a fence that was 6ft six inches at its lowest point. The liver of a sheep alone is 7lb of meat so this was a big animal."
The wildlife expert said it was likely a cat had escaped either from a zoo or from a private collection, adding: "They are definitely about."
Katie Hill told us: "We've moved all our animals out of that field now. I'm not daft, but there is definitely something around here, something very powerful. I have absolutely no doubt now that there is a big cat wandering this area."
* The 'Stafford beast' sightings also continue to flood in to the Post.
This week one reader wrote: "Several years ago while driving in the Chase with my partner I spotted an animal that I struggled to identify.
"It was too large for a cat and definitely did not move the way a dog would move. It was jet black.
"Unfortunately it was only a glimpse as the animal moved into the trees. I have often wondered if it was a panther..."
* Have you seen the Stafford beast? Contact us on 01785 212370. Alternatively, write to 35 Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LZ. Email: lynn_grainger@mrn.co.uk
Do you have any information on the above reports. Were you the person
involved, or are you aware of any more sightings in this area. We would appreciate any information that you could
give us.
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