A POPULAR West Somerset visitor attraction has lost its right to exhibit animals after an RSPCA investigation discovered standards of care had slipped in the 12 months since it was first licensed.

Somerset Council said a ‘number of licensing breaches’ were found at the Golden Retriever Experience (GRE), near Carhampton.

Licensing officers therefore revoked the establishment’s licence ‘on the grounds of protecting the welfare of the animals as well as breaching license conditions and regulations’.

GRE marketed itself as an opportunity for individuals and families to have personal encounters with up to 34 trained golden retrievers which it kept on the premises.

It was founded in 2017 by Nicolas Grant-St James and his singer-songwriter daughter Lauren St James, who were Kennel Club accredited breeders, but was only licensed in May, 2023.

They specialised in the therapeutic needs of children and adults with all forms of learning, social, and behavioural disabilities, including autism and other associated conditions, and supported special education needs and disabilities (SEND) services.

Mr Grant-St James said at the time: “We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients, children and adults with Down’s syndrome, and patients recovering from brain injury.”

The Free Press became aware last month that the RSPCA had been asked to help re-home some of the centre’s golden retrievers due to welfare concerns, but the charity did not respond to questions on the issue.

It was understood that former GRE staff had raised concerns about the conditions in which the dogs were being kept with some said to have been fighting and harming each other.

A Somerset Council spokesperson said its licensing officers had visited GRE after concerns shared by the RSPCA and found several breaches of licensing conditions.

The spokesperson said: “Following a short investigation and, having considered vital evidence disclosed by the RSPCA, Somerset Council has revoked their license with immediate effect.

“This case shows that breaching licensing rules and failing to properly look after animals has consequences and that we have staff who will act quickly and make tough decisions when necessary.”

The council said Mr Grant-St James had a right to appeal again the licence revocation.

The South Western Golden Retriever Club said it had been asked to help with the re-homing but was aware of the RSPCA involvement and so initially left it to the charity.

A club spokesperson said: “We have lots of wonderful homes waiting for a well socialised, well reared dog needing a new home.

“We would advise anybody looking for a rescue golden to come through the correct channels and contact us rather than re-home via a Facebook advert.”

Ms Grant-St James told the Free Press: “We are completely dumbfounded by this sudden decision and will be appealing against it.”

It was believed GRE had 28 days in which to make an appeal, and that a final decision would be made within a further 28 days.