A WARNING has been issued by police and the RSPCA following a suspected ‘big cat’ attack on a dog in Harrowbarrow, near Callington.
The public are advised not to approach any such animal if sighted.
On Friday, March 29, reports were received by police that a Labrador had sustained injuries whilst in a garden in Harrowbarrow, which the owner believed had been cause by a ‘panther’.
“We were called on the morning of Friday, March 29, by a resident of a property in near Harrowbarrow who claimed that panther had been in their garden and attacked their dog the night prior, and later seen with another animal in its mouth.
“An officer attended the property and located the footprints in the garden. We called the RSPCA for advice and took a cast of the print which they confirmed was the pad of a large cat.
“Over the years, there have been a number of similar reports across Devon and Cornwall. There is no evidence that such animals represent a danger to humans. It is highly likely that they would avoid human contact and only represent a danger if trapped. If any animal is sighted it should not be approached.”
An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed: “The RSPCA has been contacted about a suspected big cat sighting in Harrowbarrow, Cornwall last week.
“Our officer attended after reports that a Labrador had been scratched by a large, black cat. Thankfully, the dog is fine although he has scratch marks, and the owner is taking precautions to keep an eye on the dog in case of further sightings.
“We will continue to monitor the situation.”
In an emergency always call 999, but sightings should be reported to police on 101 or email [email protected]