A DECISION on the future of a major Furness tourist attraction is set to be made tomorrow.
After a second day of intense discussions about South Lakes Safari Zoo, Barrow borough councillors will convene for a third day to make a decision on whether to renew owner David Gill's licence.
Today's meeting began with disputes over whose licence application should be considered.
The licensing committee was told that Mr Gill had submitted his application in January to re-new the current licence for another six years.
But members heard how the zoo's new management team, led by CEO Karen Brewer, wanted their application to be dealt with instead.
Councillor Tony Callister, who is chairing the three-day meeting, said: "The committee has a strict agenda policy and we are never prepared to accept an application which is incomplete or still being processed."
The managers applied to transfer Mr Gill's licence into their name on June 16 and were informed this application would be discussed on July 21.
In another twist of events, the lawyer speaking on behalf of the zoo told the committee she did not represent or speak on behalf of Mr Gill.
Discussions surrounding a number of issues with Mr Gill's current licence then took place without him being present.
The committee heard inspectors' recommendations made after they visited the attraction in May this year.
Veterinary services were scrutinised after it was found that 19 recorded deaths had been preventable. Two animals died from rat poison, an alpaca died of hypothermia and 13 animals died of trauma.
The inspectors did, however, commend the zoo for their ongoing improvements in this area.
Other issues for discussion included the unsuitable housing of the zoo's dangerous baboons and areas with insufficient shelter for creatures in harsh weather.
Previous criticisms came in November 2015 after five-out-of-six imported nyala died, two after a period of extreme wet and cold weather.
Concerns were also raised over an unlocked door spotted during May's inspection which led to a room containing the gun cupboard, breaching protocol.
Cumbria police fully investigated the matter after it was reported but were satisfied with the results.
A number of other licence conditions surrounding various health and safety issues had been met, the meeting heard.
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