These days it would be insane to think of keeping a panther, lion, crocodile or other potentially dangerous, large, wild animal as a domesticated pet. But back in the UK of the 1960s and early 1970s, it was not only perfectly legal, but the 'in', 'hip' and 'stylish' thing to be done. There wasn't the need for a license or any training in how to handle them. In fact, you could very easily take your leopard out for a casual stroll at any time you wanted.
However, in 1976, the Government introduced the Dangerous Wild Animals Act as a way of protecting the public and ensuring that the animals in question were being looked after appropriately. Many owners gave their animals to zoos or wildlife parks/preserves. Some reluctantly resorted to having their pet put down. But there were others who simply released these impressive creatures into the wild. The crazy thing was, until a legal loop-hole was discovered in 1981, this wasn't actually against the law. They were perfectly within their rights to offload these beasts into the British countryside.
Many people forget this when hearing about a 'Big Cat' sighting and just dismiss the possibility as ridiculous. In reality, when you look at how resourceful these animals are and how they are natural-born survivors in the wild, it's not that far fetched to at least contend that they can exist.
This blog was spurned on by today's story of an apparent lion sighting in Essex. The police must have at least considered it a possibility and potential reality from the amount of officers and resources that were deployed to track down the mystery feline. Just thought that the Big Cats in the UK topic is always one that sparks interest and divides opinions.
What are yours? @markabraham89
No comments:
Post a Comment