TWO separate applications to run Dalton's zoo have been submitted - one from its founder who has already been refused a licence extension because of animal welfare concerns.

David Gill and Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd have both made formal bids to Barrow Borough Council to operate South Lakes Safari Zoo.

READ MORE: Zoo given chance to reform but must cut boss loose

Mr Gill, who established the Dalton attraction in 1994, is applying for a fresh licence despite the council having previously refused to extend his current licence which had been due to run out this month.

In July, the council's licensing committee unanimously rejected renewal, agreeing with inspectors who said Mr Gill was "not a fit and suitable person" to manage such an attraction.

Under the law, when a licence holder who has been refused extension applies for a fresh licence, the existing licence continues in force until the application is processed or withdrawn.

The second bid is from Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd, which is represented by chief executive Karen Brewer in its application documentation, who herself has worked for Mr Gill.

The zoo has been the subject of several special conditions and meetings.

READ MORE: Baby rhino is newest addition to South Lakes Safari Zoo

Over recent months concerns have been raised of the risk of rhinos and giraffes dying because of inadequate heating , the storage of out of date drugs in an animal treatment room, and a failure to notify the council of three injuries to members of the public caused by vultures within the required 14 days.


Sarah McClay. In June, the zoo was also fined £255,000 for health and safety breaches following the death of zookeeper Sarah McClay in 2013 who was mauled by a Sumatran tiger.

Under the licence application process, Barrow Borough Council must take into account representations from:

- The applicants;

- The chief officer of police;

- The local fire service;

- Governing bodies of national institutions concerned with the operation of zoos;

- Anybody alleging the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living nearby;

- Anybody with evidence to show grounds for refusal to grant the licence.

A statement from Barrow Borough Council said: "Both applications have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 following the previously published notices of intention."

Any representations must be made in writing before Friday February 10 to the environmental health manager at Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow, LA14 2LD, or by email: envhealth@barrowbc.gov.uk.

Copies of the applications can be viewed here .