AN appeal has been lodged against the revocation of a licence for a West Somerset visitor attraction to exhibit animals.

The Golden Retriever Experience (GRE), near Carhampton, lost its licence in May following an RSPCA investigation.

Somerset Council, which issued the licence last year, alleged there had been a ‘number of licensing breaches’ at the premises.

The RSPCA said standards of care had slipped in the 12 months since GRE was first licensed.

All 34 golden retrievers were later removed by RSPCA officers who attended the premises accompanied by police.

Now, GRE founders Nicolas Grant-St James and daughter Lauren St James have appealed against the council’s licensing decision.

Ms Grant-St James said they were ‘completely dumbfounded’ by the council’s decision.

The appeal will be heard by an independent tribunal administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

A council spokesperson said: “No date has been fixed yet. The licence remains revoked for the time being.”