New inquiry into sanctuary 'cruelty'

Members of the public stroking rescued baby tawny owls.

Police are to re-open their investigation into allegations of cruelty at an owl sanctuary, following a BBC investigation.

On Monday night, an undercover investigation by BBC South revealed appalling conditions at the New Forest Owl Sanctuary at Ringwood in Hampshire.

It emerged in the programme that concerns about conditions at the sanctuary were first raised 18 months ago.

The sanctuary opened as usual on Tuesday, with manager Bruce Berry promising to undertake his own full investigation into the allegations, which he denies.

Evidence we would need in a criminal case would be different to what you would use for a television programme

Pc Geoff Culbertson,
Wildlife Crimes Officer

Ex-employees of the centre, some of whom had contributed to the programme, said they were angry that nothing had been done earlier.

Terry Garrard said: "The question I'd like to ask the police and New Forest District Council is why have you allowed this to go on."

Anne Righton of the New Forest District Council said: "The initial advice we were given is that it might prejudice other investigations if we acted straight away."

Wildlife Crimes Officer Pc Geoff Culbertson refused to reveal why the initial investigation was dropped, but said that after the programme he was looking into the matter once again.

Further appeal

"A lot of the evidence you have now got, through the use of an undercover reporter, was evidence we would never be able to get.

"But evidence we would need in a criminal case would be different to what you would use for a television programme."

Police also appealed to any members of the public with any further evidence against the sanctuary to get in touch.

Viewers can see the programme again online by clicking the link below.

Inside Out