PICTURES taken by animal welfare inspectors have lifted the lid on conditions that led to a pet shop owner being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his animals.

Wayne Moffat, the owner of the Living World pet store in Barrow's Dalton Road, was convicted of three animal neglect charges alongside friend Ian Henry after a two-day trial at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court.

The pair were banned from keeping reptiles, primates and amphibians for the next two years.

More than 60 animals were taken from the shop by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in February.

RSPCA inspector Malwina Gasiorek said: “A number of animals were caused to suffer and the needs of many more were not met by these men.

“The defendants have been selling animals that were being kept to a poor standard, and may have passed that poor care on to their customers who could see the animals kept in this way and think that it’s okay.

“Exotic animals have the same needs as they would have in the wild, so owners need to understand what these are and how to meet them before they take them on to ensure that they have happy and healthy lives.

“They cost a lot more to keep properly than to buy, which sadly means, without the proper research, they can end up being neglected.”

Speaking the day after the trial, Moffat said: "I will definitely takes this to Preston Crown Court to appeal.

"I do not agree at all with the decision by the court.

"I will keep trading because people rely on my shop for their pet food."

The shop is not allowed to sell animals after its licence was taken away last year.

Moffat insisted in the court trial he had never knowingly allowed his animals to suffer.