Big Cats

Under the freedom of information act, I would like to apply for information on the following list of questions.

1. 1. Have any Police officers ever filed reports of sightings of 'big cats' out of captivity?
   i. Have tracks or other physical or forensic/DNA evidence ever been collected and/or analysed related to the alleged presence of big cats out of captivity.
   ii. Has any of this evidence substantiated the actual presence of a 'big' cat.
2. Have police officers ever visited locations or interviewed witnesses where:
   i. a 'big cat' has been reported out of captivity
   ii. an exotic cat has been involved in a road traffic accident,
   iii.livestock/domestic animals have been allegedly or actually attacked/killed by a 'big cat'
   iv. Members of the public have perceived a threat from a 'big cat'
   v. Police cordons/road closures or diversions have beenimplemented in response to reports of big cats being sighted or during police searches for an exotic cat.
3. Have air operations units (helicopter) with thermal imaging capability ever been deployed to assist with
   containment/searches for big cats actually or allegedly found out of captivity.
   i. Have air operations units ever obtained a heat source signal from or visually tracked an exotic cat?
4. 4. Have police dog handling units ever been deployed in relation to alleged sightings or to search for big cats.
5. Have tactical firearms officers ever been deployed in response to reports of big cats.
   5i. Have firearms officers ever discharged a weapon in relation to a 'big cat' incident.
6. Do Sussex Police have a policy or procedure they adopt related to reports of big cats? e.g. Wildlife Crime Officer is notified of any reports involving 'big cats'.
7. What contingency plans/expert assistance do Sussex Police have in place in relation to dealing with incidents involving exotic/big cat reports where there is a perceived risk to public safety?
8. What arrangements, if any, exist between Sussex Police and the Local or National Authorities e.g. Council Environmental Health or Defra Wildlife personnel or organizations such as the RSPCA related to 'big cat' sightings or incidents where livestock is involved and what are Sussex Police responsibilities in these matters.
9. A summary/table of 'big cat' reports for the period 1995-2005 detailing time and date, location and nature of call received from members of the public/police officers or personnel and held on Command and Control system or similar police information databases/archives is requested.

May I also apply for copies of any maps or databases produced by your police force marking or identifying suspected big cat (leopard, lion, lynx etc) sightings including their spoor, attacks or other evidence.

In accordance with section 1 (1) (a ) & (1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

Questions 1, (i) and (ii)

There is no information held

Questions 2 (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv)

Please see Question 9

Question 2 (v)

There is no information held.

Questions 3, 3(i) , 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

There is no information held

Question 9

Please see following Excel spreadsheet which contains details of all reports logged by Cheshire Constabulary.