Freedom for Animals makes renewed calls for closure of Dalton Zoo

Wildlife charity Freedom for Animals (FFA) said the animals housed at South Lakes Safari Zoo are being ‘horrifically let down’ by Barrow Borough Council.

In a petition launched by FFA, the charity alleges that the zoo’s animals are living in ‘inadequate and disgraceful’ conditions allowed to continue due to ‘failings’ by Barrow Council.

Barrow Council has refuted all the allegations made by the animal charity.

The petition comes weeks after the findings of a special council inspection of the zoo were published online.

The inspection took place in November in response to reports received, over recent months, from the Zoo Investment Company (ZIC), the landlord, as well from animal welfare organisation Born Free Foundation (BFF).

The BFF report stemmed from an unannounced visit to the zoo in October after the organisation had received reports of concern regarding the animals at the zoo.

The wildlife charity said an investigation into conditions at the zoo found the facility 'fails to meet even basic standards' of animal welfare.

Allegations surrounding animal welfare at the zoo were also made by FFA, including the facility hosting ‘bangless’ fireworks events which the charity said are causing ‘immense stress’ to animals.

READ MORE: Freedom for Animals (FFA) calls for Dalton zoo's 'permanent closure'

Some photographs taken by Born Free during their visit to South Lakes Safari Zoo in October (Image: BFF)

The findings of Barrow Borough Council's inspection were released in a report published online in February. The council said that rodents had been found in 'multiple areas' at the site and that rhinos spent a 'significant proportion' of their time in restricted stables.

However, it did say the animal enclosures were maintained in a way that 'appears to meet the secretary of state's standards of modern zoo practice' and that animals requiring medical attention received 'appropriate levels of care in a timely manner'.

SLZS provided a response to the council's concerns, which read: "Overall, we feel that the council's inspection findings support our assertion that the claims made by the BFF and ZIC are unfounded and without merit."

READ MORE: Barrow Borough Council responds to claims they 'downplayed' zoo probe

More than a month since the council’s inspection were published online, FFA has launched a petition calling for the zoo’s licence to be permanently revoked and the animals to be removed.

The petition states: “The disgraceful evidence of South Lakes Zoo's animal welfare breaches is considerable and yet, somehow they have been allowed to continue due to Barrow council failing to take appropriate and robust enforcement action. The animals held captive there are being horrifically let down by Barrow council's reluctance to take responsibility or properly enforce the conditions set out in the Zoo Licencing Act.

“For too long, South Lakes Zoo has swept animal neglect and suffering under the carpet. Barrow Council continues to be complicit by failing to improve the lives of the many animals held captive there and following up on their concerns in inspections.”

South Lakes Safari Zoo (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Tony Callister, chair of Barrow Borough Council's Licensing Regulatory Committee, said: "The council has seen the online petition and disagrees with the allegations made against the council.

"The council's remit is to ensure the zoo complies with the terms of its licence according to the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, following a protocol set by the Act. This is something that we monitor and is reviewed regularly.

"Following the last inspection, a number of conditions and directions were set by the Council's Licensing Regulatory Committee and these will be monitored regularly to ensure they are met."

Cumbria Zoo Company, who manages South Lakes Safari Zoo, said they will not be commenting on the petition.

To sign the petition, visit here: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/569/115/423/demand-barrow-in-furness-council-close-down-south-lakes-safari-zoo/