Farmers asked to spot big cats

The British Big Cats Society says cat sightings are growing steadily

Farmers and big cat spotters are teaming up in the South West to try to gather more evidence about the existence of such animals in the South West.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) and the British Big Cats Society are asking farmers are being asked to report any sightings to a special website.

For years there have been reports of mysterious sightings of big cats in Devon and Cornwall.

The NFU said if it was true that big cats were at large, it is a serious issue for farmers who need to be aware of possible attacks on their livestock.

Some of the most notorious big cat sightings around the UK - including the Beast of Bodmin - have been in Cornwall.

There have also been a number of big cat sightings in south Devon, as well as reports of people believing that livestock and ponies have been injured by such animals.

The British Big Cats Society said the number of big cat animal kills and sightings around the country was growing steadily.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says there is no proof that big cats are roaming the British countryside.