A CHARITY investigating a zoo following multiple public reports of concern ‘clearly’ has an agenda, claims the Furness MP.

The Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity that campaigns to "Keep Wildlife in the Wild”, visited South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton following multiple public reports of concern relating to animal welfare and the general running of the zoo.

The charity alleges the zoo ‘fails to meet even basic standards’ of animal welfare and has written to Barrow Borough Council with their concerns.

READ MORE: Born Free investigation finds South Lakes Safari Zoo 'fails to meet basic standards' of animal welfare

Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, said Born Free ‘clearly came to this issue with an agenda’.

He said: “No matter whether a zoo or farm, any animal welfare concerns should, of course, be reported and investigated as a matter of course.

“But it is always worth considering who is making claims like these. Born Free claim to ‘challenge the global zoo industry’ and that want to ‘phase out zoos’ – this is not to dispute their claims, but to recognise that they clearly come to this issue with an agenda.

“I believe that DEFRA are shortly to review South Lakes Safari Zoo in any case as part of a routine inspection, so the veracity of these claims can be explored soon to give the public comfort.”

READ MORE: Full report investigating conditions at South Lakes Safari Zoo revealed

Sam Brewer, of South Lakes Safari Zoo, described the report as containing ‘inaccurate presumptions’ and ‘inaccurate clinical assessment’.

She said: “The report contains inaccurate presumptions and, understandably, inaccurate clinical assessment.  Cumbria Zoo has, in our last four years, been inspected by over 35 government appointed independent inspectors with the overwhelming outcomes of those inspections being hugely positive, and the continuing progress we make here at safari zoo recognised.”