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Killer Beast Ripped Sheep to Pieces

Paisley Daily Express: 1st October 2007

The Scunthorpe Telegraph
   
A FARMER yesterday claimed a leopard savaged his flock of sheep and killed two of them in a vicious attack.
Animal carcasses, with their heads ripped off, have been found at the edge of dense woodland; cattle have stampeded, and livestock which have gone missing have never been recovered.
Anxious farmer Hugh Caldwell revealed: "I believe a leopard or panther is causing the trouble. And I think there are a few of them around the Paisley area."
He told how three Blackface sheep were attacked during the night and huge teeth holes – spanning nine inches – were found on each of their necks.
Hugh, who is in his 50s, said: "A dog or fox wouldn't cause that bite span, it's got to be a much larger animal – and a big cat fits the bill."
Hugh added: "There is no doubt in my mind a panther or leopard is on the prowl in the Renfrewshire woodlands. There is possibly a family of them."
He spoke of his fears at the family home in East Mitchelton Farm in Kilbarchan which lies between Howwood and Lochwinnoch.
Hugh said three of his sheep were attacked on the same night, adding: "It was the teeth marks on their necks that worried me. The bite marks were from ear to ear.
"All three sheep were alive following the attacks but two of them died after their wounds became infected. The third pulled through and is now back out in the field.
"This is just the latest incident in a spate of them over many months. I have missing animals and I've come across headless carcasses but I can't be sure they are from my flock.
"Dogs and foxes wouldn't eat and strip carcasses of flesh and meat to this extent. But a big cat would do this.
"That's why I'm convinced a leopard or panther is roaming this countryside."
Hugh has alerted the police and they are carrying out an investigation. One officer said: "We are taking this report seriously as we have many others over the years.
"If anyone knows anything about a big cat in their area and has photographic proof ring Johnstone Police Office on 01505 404000."
Mark Fraser, who runs the Scottish Big Cat Society, said three types of cats have been reported in the Paisley area over years – the lynx-like cat, the tawny animal and the black cat, with the latter making up 65 per cent of all reports.
Paisley Gleniffer Braes, the Merchiston area of Johnstone, Lochwinnoch and Howwood areas are hot-spots for big cat sightings.
Mark said: "A jet-black cat measuring about four feet in length has been spotted on the outskirts of Clyde Muirshiel Park heading into Parkhill Woods.
"One was also seen dashing across the A737 near Howwood and ramblers were confronted by a similar animal not far from Barrhead."
Villagers in Lochwinnoch have found unusual tracks on the ground after spotting a three-feet long black feline.
A lair thought to belong to a large feline has been uncovered near Lochwinnoch.
Mark is urging people who have spotted a big cat to come forward and help him with his research.
He said: "We are appealing for witnesses of big cats to get in touch.
"We would especially like to hear from people who believe they have hard evidence in the form of video footage, photographs or prints, as well as evidence of livestock kills."
For information e-mail Mark on bigcatsinbritain@btinternet.com or ring 07940 016972.

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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