THE founder of a Cumbria Owl Sanctuary is due to appear in court after he was charged with animal welfare offences.

Paul Rose is alleged to have breached regulations related to the displaying of a tawny owl named Ludo.

He is said to have committed the offence between March 1 2020 and March 7 2022.

Earlier this year animal welfare charity the RSPCA raided two addresses linked to the Owl Sanctuary.

The sanctuary had its licence to exhibit animals revoked.   

READ MORE: Watchdog looking into Barrow's Owl Sanctuary 

Working alongside Barrow Council and the police and RSPCA officers seized around 30 birds from the sanctuary in March 2022.

Mr Rose is due to appear before South Cumbria Magistrates' Court on October 31.

The Owl Sanctuary describes itself as a 'rescue and rehabilitation centre working together towards education on the conservation of owls'.

Operating for around 14 years, the organisation has paid visits to schools and other venues with its owls.