Farmers Still Fearful Over Big Cat Threat
By Ross Smith
FARMERS claimed yesterday they were still worried that two big cats roaming north Antrim could kill their livestock.
They hit out after the USPCA called for the animals to be allowed to live in peace.
USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott said he expects a puma, thought to be on the prowl near Ballybogey, and a panther in the Ballycastle area, to "blend in" to their surroundings.
The decision came as the Government unveiled plans to bring in new laws early next year to regulate people keeping dangerous animals as pets in Northern Ireland.
North Antrim shepherd Robert Calvin, who believes his pedigree ram was savaged by a big cat last month, said farmers still wanted the animals captured.
Farmers reckon the killing of the 10st ram could not have been the work of a fox or a dog.
Mr Calvin said: "I'm really surprised by the USPCA's decision. They were obviously trying to protect the big cat, which I can understand, but I was hopeful they would be able to capture it.
"I sort of feel we've been left out on a limb. The animal is obviously a predator and a very good predator.
"I feel there's not a lot we can do about it, though I'm glad to see police have continued to take this as a serious threat."
UFU spokesman Joe McDonald added: "It's still very much on the mind of the local farming community that their livestock are at risk. We would obviously much prefer that the animal or animals are rounded up.
"We certainly don't want to see a line drawn under this just because the big search this week didn't deliver anything. We are relying on the local community to keep their eyes open."
r.smith@newsletter.co.uk
r.smith@newsletter.co.uk: 26th September 2003