THE owner of a controversial pet store which looks set lose its licence has vowed to keep fighting for his business.

Pet and reptile store, Living World in Dalton Road, Barrow will have its fate sealed on February 21 when Barrow Borough Council's Licensing Committee meets to discuss the business's failure to meet its licence conditions.

A report detailing various inspections carried out between 2016- 2017 found many of the store's snakes had not been given enough water, housing and enclosures for several creatures did not meet health and safety standards and a suitably qualified vet for the Caiman reptiles and Marmoset monkeys had not been recruited.

Similarly, there were no emergency procedures in place in case of fire, inadequate measures were in place for disposing of dead bodies and it was discovered members of the public could put their fingers through the enclosure of a mildly venomous cat-eyed snake.

Barrow store boss allowed to keep selling monkeys

Owner, Wayne Moffat, strenuously denied any wrongdoing and claimed he is being "targeted" by the council, who he says are determined to shut down the business.

He said: "They have already made the decision to take my licence but I'm fighting it all the way way - I believe I'm being targeted.

"They've got no evidence against me, they've had no complaints.

"This is my business, it's how I make a living, it's how I pay my bills and I've had pet shops for 20 years.

"I believe it's personal to me, it's not about having a licence.

Judge blocks bid to stop Barrow trader selling legal highs

"I will be there at the meeting and I don't need to make representations, I know more about my business and the legalities of it than a solicitor could, a solicitor will not fight for my business the way I can."

In her concluding report, inspector and advanced practitioner in zoological medicine from Millcroft Veterinary Group, Vicky Temple said the failure to to act upon requirements was "negatively impacting on the animal welfare."

Writing about Mr Moffat, she added: "He is not only likely to cause animal suffering but is projecting this as an acceptable way to keep animals for the adults and children that visit this establishment."

Mr Moffat, who has already contested a number of decisions made by Barrow Borough council surrounding his business added: "I know about my business and the points of law. I will fight my corner."

Pet shop owner admits drug offences after raid

The committee, chaired by Barrow Mayor, Tony Callister, will study the information supplied by inspectors and officers who carried out the visits before either approving or refusing the licence application.