THE owner of controversial pet store has been refused a new licence for his business following a series of fiery exchanges with the Licensing Committee.

Wayne Moffat who runs Living World in Dalton Road attended a two-hour meeting in Barrow's town hall on February 21 where he told the committee he felt his business was being treated differently and he was being "racially targeted" by inspectors and officers.

The store, which sells a number of reptiles, including snakes and caimans, came under fire from external inspectors who visited the premises on three occasions during 2016-17.

They reported Mr Moffat was failing to provide creatures with clean, spacious enclosures and failing to maintain safety standards by using inadequate locks.

Crunch time for Barrow pet store as council hold meeting to decide its fate

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Moffat said: "I thought I was coming here on a point of law about keeping a pet shop, but it seems personal.

"I feel like I'm being targeted whether through racial targeting I don't know, but I don't feel like I'm being treated the same as everyone else in this town.

"A lot of this will have to be heard in court of law because I've heard so many lies I'm flabbergasted."

Chairman, councillor Tony Callister, was quick to refute claims Barrow Borough council was acting in a discriminatory way, saying he took "great exception" to the suggestion.

"This town council does not discriminate against colour, creed, or disability and you are quite within your rights to leave if you feel that way," he added.

When addressing the committee, Mr Moffat, who has ran pet shops for around 20 years called most of the evidence "speculation" and said he has never had any complaints before.

He added :"I've never let any animals die, it's just all speculation.

"The vet never talked to me and asked me her concerns she just wrote a report."

Controversial Barrow pet store owner vows to fight council over licence refusal

Following a lengthy discussion, the committee announced they would be accepting the recommendations made to them and refused to issue the new licence on the grounds that Mr Moffat had sufficient time to make all necessary changes, but had not done so.

After the meeting, Mr Moffat said he had been expecting the decision.

"I will appeal and I will win.

"A lot of that was down to personal opinion and I can only work within the law, not within what people would expect me to do.

"The appeal will be a different kettle of fish," he said.

Living World will remain open while the appeal takes place.