This is one of the most likely theories IMHO. A lot of sightings started at the end of the 70s, which would align with the introduction of this law: https://e

This is one of the most likely theories IMHO. A lot of sightings started at the end of the 70s, which would align with the introduction of this law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangerous_Wild_Animals_Act_1976 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangerous_Wild_Animals_Act_197... Rumour has it that lots of wealthy people simply released their "pets" into the wild rather than confirming with the laws! Fairly certain there were documented cases of servants confirming this too.