A DATE has been set for the trial of the founder of Barrow’s Owl Sanctuary who is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Paul Rose appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday (December 5) where he pleaded not guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to owls in his care.

Rose, of Foxfield Road in Walney, is alleged to have failed to seek medical treatment for conditions he knew, or ought to have known, would cause suffering to the owls between February 8 and March 8.

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

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'.

READ MORE: RSPCA: Owl Sanctuary boss denies causing 'unnecessary suffering'

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'.

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

The judge handed Rose unconditional bail.

He is due to stand trial charged with the offences on October 30 2023.

Rose is next due to appear in court for a pre-trial on September 1 2023.

The Owl Sanctuary is an owl rescue centre which provides shelter for birds from across the UK. It also provides educational activities for adults and children in Cumbria and the Lake District and displays birds at events in the region.