Bird sanctuary receives backing from society

THREE Owls bird sanctuary has received support from the Royal Society for the Protect of Birds in its bid to remain open.

Bosses at the Norden sanctuary are concerned that it could be reclassified as a zoo following an inspection by the council this summer.

Manager Nigel Fowler fears this could lead to its closure because it would not meet the requirements for a zoo license.

The RSPB's UK headquarters has written to Mr Fowler after a Three Owls supporter contacted the charity last month about the predicament.

The letter says: "We have always known your centre as a leading centre for rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wild birds.

"We certainly would not associate your facility as being a zoo."

It adds: "I hope that the council can apply some common sense to this matter and resolve it promptly with a favorable outcome for the sanctuary and its occupants so it can continue its excellent work long into the future."

Andy Glover, public protection manager at Rochdale Council said: "Currently we're pursuing further legal advice on this issue and when we receive this we'll discuss the options available with the Three Owls before any action is considered.

"We have no desire to prevent Three Owls from performing its valuable service so we'll do all that we can to help them comply with all relevant legislation, but we all must abide by the law.

"The law is designed to protect the safety of the public and safeguard the welfare of animals."

"We sincerely hope that the Three Owls will continue with its sanctuary work and that visitors will still be able to access the information centre, volunteer to assist with the work there and bring in injured birds."