Owl sanctuary founder guilty of harming birds

Paul Rose was charged after three birds in his care had to be put to sleep last year

The founder of an owl sanctuary in Barrow has pleaded guilty to harming the birds in his care.

Paul Rose, 69, of Foxfield Road, Walney, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

The RSPCA and Cumbria Police raided Barrow Owl Sanctuary's aviaries in March last year.

They found two tawny owls with neurological problems, and a barn owl with a fractured wing.

The three birds had to be put to sleep.

In October 2022, Rose pleaded guilty to displaying a tawny owl without a certificate, but denied other charges relating to harming the animals.

At Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, Rose pleaded guilty to the two charges of causing unnecessary suffering.

At a hearing at the same court today, Recorder Katie Jones set a sentencing date for 24 January 2024.