All-Day Search Aiming To Finally Trap Killer Cat.
By Kim Kelly.
POLICE in north Antrim are confident that the big cat on the loose in Co Antrim will finally be trapped as they prepare for a dedicated dawn until dusk hunt for the animal tomorrow.
The elusive cat, which slaughtered livestock on four occasions in north Antrim appears to have been in hiding for several weeks. However, unconfirmed sightings of the cat are still being reported daily.
In the last few days Causeway coast residents claim to have seen the killer cat in a Portstewart garden, at a housing estate in Coleraine and crossing a road at Ballybogey.
However, police remain no closer to capturing the animal, which is believed to be a puma or panther which has escaped from a private collection.
RAF, Army and police marksmen have failed to capture the beast, which local farmers have vowed to shoot on sight.
Farmers have been forced to erect flashing lights in their fields to protect livestock and local people have been keeping young children indoors, fearing that the animal could strike humans.
Now the hunt for the animal is to be stepped up in an all-day search organised by the PSNI and USPCA on Wednesday.
From dawn until dusk a search will be carried out on the north coast. Big cat experts, helicopters and police air support units will track the cat through Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballybogey.
Police are appealing for the public to join in with the biggest hunt to date and are asking for assistance in flushing the animal out from its hiding place.
They are asking anyone who spots the animal tomorrow to contact Coleraine police station immediately.
It is hoped that police patrols operating in the area will be able to respond to the call within minutes and get to the scene and trap the animal.
Farmers in particular are being asked to keep mobile phones with them and be prepared to contact Coleraine PSNI station on 028 703 44122 if the big cat should emerge from hiding.
The Belfast Telegraph: 23rd September 2003.