Councillors urged to reject zoo licence

Councillors are being recommended to reject a new licence for a Cumbrian zoo over concerns about "deplorable" animal welfare.

Inspectors visited the South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness earlier this year and found a series of problems including poor veterinary care and bad record keeping.

The report to Barrow Borough Council also contains details of almost 500 animal deaths between 2013 and 2016.

The management style of the zoo's original owner, David Gill, is described as "intrusive", and it's in the areas he still controls that the inspectors say they found the more serious welfare issues.

Inspectors have recommended Barrow Borough Council refuses to grant a new licence when it meets to decide on the matter next week.