Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to ensure that recent big cat sightings in North Wales are investigated.

There have been a number of sightings of big cats in north east Wales, the most recent being in Trelogan, Flintshire, with footage showing a mysterious creature "the size of a sheep and possibly even bigger."

The latest encounter is close to other sightings in Abergele, Talacre, Whitford and pentre Halkyn, and follows attacks on livestock which some have attributed to big cats. 

Taking part in today’s proceeding of the Welsh Parliament, Darren called for an urgent statement on big cats in the Welsh countryside from the Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy , Rural Affairs.

He said:

“You'll be aware that in north-east Wales there have been a spate of sightings of big cats in the Welsh countryside in recent months.

“Many members of the farming community in particular are concerned about the impact that these may have on their livestock in the future, yet, we are without any statement from the Welsh Government at the moment as to what investigations are being undertaken into these sightings. We need an urgent statement from the Welsh Government Minister responsible for rural affairs as soon as possible.”

Speaking afterwards, Darren added:

“The Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 made it illegal to keep untamed pets. Many owners of exotic cats such as pumas or lynx simply freed their animals into the countryside. 

“I first raised this issue in the Senedd back in 2014 following a number of sightings in Conwy and Denbighshire.

“It is a real worry that seven years on we are still getting reports of big cats being spotted in our countryside here in North Wales. A thorough investigation is therefore needed urgently before someone is hurt or worse.”