THE founder of Barrow's Owl Sanctuary has appeared in court after he was charged with animal welfare offences.

Paul Rose pleaded not guilty to five offences under the Animal Welfare Act when he faced South Cumbria Magistrates' Court.

Mr Rose, of Foxfield Drive on Walney, is now due to stand trial at Preston Crown Court over the charges.

The 69-year-old is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to several owls at his home address.

It followed a warrant carried out by police and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals earlier this year.

Charges said that between February 8 and March 8 he failed to investigate and address a tawny owl's 'marked neurological deficit' which 'resulted in head tilt and an inability to stand'.

He also faces an accusation he caused unnecessary suffering to a tawny owl by 'failing to investigate and address the bird's head tilt and the conditions affecting the bird's eyes'.

Mr Rose also stands accused of failing to take 'remedial steps required' in relation to a barn owl with a fractured wing.

The charity boss is also alleged to have failed to ensure the welfare of 26 owls kept at a lockup at Brady's yard in Barrow and five at his home on March 8.

It is said that he failed to keep the birds suitable accommodation with light, failed to provide fresh clean water, fed them inadequately and did not give them 'opportunity for normal behaviour patterns'.

Magistrates decided that the trial should be heard at a crown court due to its complexity.

Mr Rose is due to appear for a hearing at Preston Crown Court on December 2.

He is on unconditional bail until then.