Latest: 'Chiselled jaw, big shoulders and long tail' - Dubai resident tells of encounter with big cat
The search continued on Wednesday for an exotic wild animal on the loose after a suspected sighting in a Dubai suburb a day earlier.
Dubai Police officers used drones to scan the Springs neighbourhood, south of Dubai Marina, after apparent sightings by residents of a 'large black cat'.
Authorities advised members of the community to exercise caution around what was believed to be a wild cat and to call 999 if they spot it.
Dubai Police today reassured the community that it is taking all measures to minimise any potential danger to people from a wild animal that was spotted in The Springs 3 area in Dubai.Trained professionals are currently conducting an extensive search to locate&capture the animal.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 18, 2021
Officials said they were taking the reports seriously and had deployed police and municipal officials to investigate, but urged the public not to panic.
Dubai police after a large 'wild cat' that is reportedly on loose
In tweets posted by Dubai Media Office, police said bringing any kind of wild animal into a public environment was strictly prohibited under the emirate’s laws.
Anyone found guilty can face a jail term of up to six months and severe financial penalties.
Dubai Police also urged the public to call 901 if they see the animal.
Security staff and municipality vehicles were seen searching the area when The National visited.
“We have been looking for the animal since it was allegedly spotted by a resident this morning,” a security guard said.
“Dubai Municipality officers also came to the Springs 3. Security guards are in the area and we are trying to find it.”
Animal experts said the animal appeared to be a jaguar or panther after they viewed purported footage of it.
Sara Elliott, founder of the British Veterinary Hospital, said it appeared to be a young black leopard or panther.
“Without specifically seeing the full size of the animal or a close-up, it’s impossible to say which breed it is," she said.
“Leopards are smaller in size – adults only reach about 30 kilograms – so it appears to be in line with that kind of sizing.”