Published: Tuesday, 15th April, 2008 10:00
'NO SUFFERING AT PETTING ZOO'
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EXPERIENCE: Mr Gold (centre) at the petting zoo
A PETTING zoo set up for kids during the school break has come under fire from an animal rights campaigner.
A tent with animals such as rabbits and chickens appeared at the Loch Lomond Shores mall last weekend.
But a call to the Animal Concern Advice Line (ACAL), from a member of staff at the Shores alleged animals were kept in tiny cages overnight and that no hygiene facilities were in place.
However, George Gold, who runs the petting zoo, denied the claims and took time out to show the Reporter around.
He said: “Having worked with animals for over thirty years as a supplier for film, TV and stage work as well as an employee of Glasgow Zoo, I am very much aware of the health and safety issues surrounding their display.
“As a keen advocate of animal welfare, I have throughout my career ensured any animals I work with are treated with consideration and respect.”
ACAL’s John Robins had called in West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) to investigate the animals’ welfare after receiving the complaint.
He said: “Yet again this shows that the operators of Lomond Shores appear not to have a clue about where they are and what they are doing."
Claire Gemmell, site manager of Loch Lomond Shores, said: “We at Loch Lomond Shores see the petting zoo as an ideal opportunity for young children to have contact with a wide range of domesticated animals that they would otherwise have no contact with."
The council’s Environmental Health department confirmed it had visited the tent last week.
A council spokesman said: "All cages appeared to be of sufficient size and each was supplied with food and water.
"We were advised that one bird/animal is taken out at a time for children to pet and the birds and animals are taken home each night by the operator.”
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