20-09-2005 Over 20 different UK big cat sightings in August alone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2005-09-20
Over twenty different UK big cat sightings in August alone

For many years now, big cats have been reported across the United Kingdom. Once sneered at by reputable scientists who saw them as being similar to reports of alien abductions or the theories of the Flat Earth Society, However, times have changed, and the burgeoning number of reports produced by mystery animal experts (cryptozoologists), present a compelling picture. The Centre for Fortean Zoology [CFZ] – the world’s largest and fastest growing cryptozoological research group – releases a free monthly newsletter covering big cat sightings across the UK. Chris Moiser, expert on British mystery cats, author of several books on the subject summarises the report:

“This report represents a considerable amount of evidence from a diversity of sources Typically these were from local newspapers, but it is pleasant to see that a number of reports were sent, by email to the British Big Cat Research Group (contact via www.scottishbigcats.co.uk) directly and others via regional representatives and groups.

"A simple summary is that a minimum of 28 eyewitnesses saw 17 black cats, 4 brown cats, 1 ginger cat, 1 grey cat and 2 large tabby type cats. In addition two people were roared at by an animal that they didn’t see; there were 4 alleged animal attacks (3 on sheep, and one, non-fatal, on a horse) and one police force gave a warning about the dangers of such animals. The police force, Dorset Police, also stated that they had contingency arrangements in force for dealing with big cats “if they appear”. Another interesting factor is that a number of people have claimed to have had more than one big cat sighting, often years apart.

"It is only possible to give a minimum number of witnesses because some of the reports refer to multiple sightings of cats in an area without specifying how many people actually saw it. Similarly one or two cats may have been seen more than once in more than one area”.

Chris, whose latest book `When the Cat’s Away` is published by CFZ Press is excited at some of the new evidence which is included in the report:

“Some photographs have also appeared, as has some video footage from the Cirencester area. The photographs are in the main probably of domestic cats, but there is a size reference in the video footage which suggests that the animal could be 4½ feet (1.33 metres) long.”

Jon Downes – Director of the CFZ – casts a note of warning, however. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these animals exist. I have seen them myself on two occasions. However, an awful lot of nonsense is talked about them. There have been claims of attacks on human beings which –upon investigation – have proved to be entirely groundless. The number of sightings is often exaggerated, and we believe that claims of well over a hundred sightings in some British counties over an eighteen month period should be taken with a large pinch of sale.

"However with organisations like the Centre for Fortean Zoology www.cfz.org.uk and the British Big Cat Research Group in the field, I am confident that it will not be long before before there is definitive proof that Britain’s wildlife has gained a new and exciting species.”

For more details, to obtain a free copy of the report, to interview Chris or to find out more about the CFZ please feel free to contact Jon or Mark on 01237 431413

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

+ The Centre for Fortean Zoology is a non profit-making organisation, which was founded in 1992. Over the last 11 years we have mounted expeditions to Central America, Thailand, Mexico, various parts of the United States, as well as numerous investigations in the UK. Further information on the CFZ can be found on their website www.cfz.org.uk.
+ C F Z director Jonathan Downes has written numerous books on the subject of mystery animals. The latest, entitled `Monster Hunter` is his long awaited autobiography.
+ The honorary life President of the Centre for Fortean Zoology is renowned explorer, author and soldier Colonel John Blashford-Snell OBE, best known for his pioneering Operation Drake and Operation Raleigh expeditions during the 1970s.
+ The CFZ is looking for corporate and private sponsors