AN ANIMAL rights campaign group is calling for a popular bird sanctuary

to be closed down.

Preston Action for Animals (PAFA) want South Ribble Borough Council to

reject a zoo licence application from Turbury Bird of Prey Centre, Chain

House Lane, Whitestake near Preston.

The group believes no animal should be kept captive, and claim the

conditions at the sanctuary are unacceptable.

Sanctuary manager Andy Bilsborough has defended safety and cleansing

measures at the centre, and branded the group as do-gooders who do not

know what they are talking about.

Mr Bilsborough has run the centre, which originally opened in 1991,

since last Easter. He applied for the licence six months ago after it

was discovered the permission to run the sanctuary had lapsed.

The site, which is run by volunteers and houses more than 60 birds

including owls, eagles and vultures, is a popular destination for

families and school groups.

Ian Richards, spokesman for PAFA which has been campaigning for 15

years, said: "We have grave concerns that the zoo is not yet at an

acceptable standard for the public to be allowed to visit.

"We have filmed birds in filthy cages and insufficient barriers to

protect the birds and the public.

"In principle, birds belong in the sky and not in captivity."

The group has between 10 and 15 members and among their activities they

campaign against circuses that use animals.

Mr Bilsborough conceded there is a run of cages without a barrier and

that cages can sometimes appear dirty.

"There are seven aviaries that have not got a barrier up, but it is on

the to-do list this week or next," he said.

He added there are plenty of warning signs and that cages are cleaned at

least once a week.

If a cage is cleaned on Monday, he said, it might appear dirty by

Thursday because some of the birds can spray their faeces up to 20ft.

He said: "They're just do-gooders who don't have an understanding of

looking after birds of prey.

"We are at the fifth stage of the application process and I would

invite the campaigners down to work with us and see the inspections."

The decision whether to grant the licence will be made after an

inspection next month by a government approved vet.

Mr Richards said the organisation, which has lodged an objection with

the council, will keep a close eye on the sanctuary and check up on

conditions at the site if Turbury is granted the licence.

Councillor Brenda Wilson, portfolio holder for public health and

housing, confirmed that the zoo application was with the council.

"We take our role of licensing zoos very seriously and are extremely

concerned with any allegations made about cruelty," she said.

She added that allegations of cruelty to animals and birds should be

reported to the RSPCA, and any letters of objections should be sent to

the council.