ACTORS who have appeared in Downton Abbey and Coronation Street have joined animal rights activists in calling for action to be taken on Dalton's zoo.

Concerns have been raised following claims of neglect at the South Lakes Safari Zoo - allegations denied by bosses.

A total of 33 animal protection organisations, veterinarians, scholars and public figures have signed onto an open letter led by Freedom for Animals calling on Westmorland and Furness Council to revoke the zoo's licence.

Managers of the zoo have insisted animal welfare is their top priority.

Signatories to the letter include Peter Egan, whose credits include TV series such as Downton Abbey, After Life and Unforgotten and Carol Royle, who has featured in Coronation Street and Doctors.

In the letter, the signatories urge the authority to take action to address 'grave concerns regarding the ongoing animal welfare issues'.

They call for the zoo's licence to be revoked and for the animals to be taken to sanctuaries. 

Freedom for Animals director Dr Andrew Kelly said: “For too long, the animals at Cumbria Safari Zoo have suffered from substandard care.

"Previous interventions and improvement plans have not brought about lasting change, and the pattern of neglect continues to jeopardise both animal and public safety.

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"It’s time for the council to act decisively, by closing down the zoo and rehoming the animals to appropriate sanctuaries.”

Westmorland and Furness Council did not respond to a request for comment but previously said it did not have the power under the law to revoke the licence.

A spokesman said following recent inspections there were a small number of conditions and directions applied to the zoo’s licence in accordance with Zoo Licensing Act.

Karen Brewer, chief executive of Cumbria Zoo Company Limited, said: “We continue to operate the zoo in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

“While we respect the right for all people to voice their opinion, it must also be pointed out that the actions of Freedom for Animals are driven by a hard line anti-captivity agenda.

“We have had three council inspections in the last 12-months during which our ‘excellent veterinary programme’ has been noted and we have continued making improvements to satisfy the conditions of our zoo licence.

“Animal welfare will always be our top priority, and we remain committed to providing the best veterinary care to all the amazing animals at the zoo."