Dozens report Shropshire and Mid Wales big cat sightings

Readers from across the region got in touch with their own encounters after the Shropshire Star revealed that there had been 14 sightings reported to Dyfed-Powys Police since 2009.

While alleged encounters add to the intense debate over the issue, others think the rumours are nothing more than a tall tale.

Enthusiasts who believe the mysterious creatures exist in Britain say many sightings go unreported or are collated nationally in online forums and websites.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act proved that residents do call the police over what they believe is a big cat on the prowl.

Di Purser, from Shrewsbury, said she had an encounter with a "wild creature".

She said: "I saw a large black cat last summer in Eastwood Ridge. We were leading a group of walkers and two of us saw it.

"My colleague chased after it but it disappeared. I would gauge it was about the size of a labrador but was catlike with a long tail and distinctive rounded ears. I never really believed the stories before but this was no ordinary domestic cat."

Stories of big cats go back to the 1960s and 1970s when it was legal to keep exotic animals as pets. Before the Dangerous Wild Animals Act in 1976, the wealthy could take their lion, tiger or cheetah for a walk without so much as a licence.

Enthusiasts also think that they were brought to Britain by the Romans and escaped from travelling zoos and menageries.

Tom Ferriday claims he spotted a "panther or a puma".

He said: "A few months ago me and my girlfriend were driving near Acton Scott. It was about 7pm and as we drove past a farm we spotted a large animal in the distance, walking slowly toward the car.

"I slowed down naturally as I thought it was a dog, but as we got closer we could clearly see a large cat. Not a house cat, it was 100 per cent a panther or a puma.

"Big green eyes, long black tail and it was stalking my car. We didn't even stop – we just drove on in complete shock.

"People who dismiss the fact these animals live around here are in denial. People laugh at us when we tell them."