§ 15. Mr. Roger WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales Secretary for Rural Affairs to establish the number of sightings of big cats in Wales over the last 12 months. [44161]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI have regular discussions with the First Minister on a wide range of issues including rural affairs.
The Assembly's Agriculture Department receives reports from the public of big cat sightings and alleged livestock kills due to big cats.
In 2001 there were seven reported sightings and four reports of livestock kills. So far in 2002 there has been one reported big cat sighting and two alleged live stock kills due to big cats.
The Agriculture Department deals solely with cases involving threats to livestock. Any big cat reports that relate to human health are referred to the police. The Agriculture Department does not keep records of such cases.