Plans to reintroduce lynx to some northern parts of England have been opposed by councillors.
Northumberland County Council has backed a motion that it would not support any application to release the big cats into the wild, although a final decision rests with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The Eurasian lynx was hunted to extinction in the UK about 1,000 years ago, and campaigners argue the species should be reintroduced to north Northumberland to help control roe deer populations and improve the ecosystem.
However, opponents say the predators could attack sheep and other livestock.
The motion was put forward by non-aligned Rothbury councillor Steven Bridgett, who said the authority should oppose any proposals to reintroduce lynx in order to protect farming.
It was passed by 44 votes to seven, with five abstentions.
Speaking before Wednesday’s vote, Bridgett said: “Our landscape is managed by [farmers] and they are there to put food on our tables.
“Ultimately that’s what we want them to do and we want them to have the freedom to do that.
“We don’t want them getting up at 5 in the morning to check their livestock and finding that their herd of sheep has been dispersed and there’s animal carcasses across the farm.”
