As reported by The Press, falconry experts Owl Adventures recently opened a shop in Our Lady’s Row Goodramgate – originally intended to be a hands-on experience where people would be able to hold and learn about birds of prey.
However, since opening its doors, there has been a backlash in community Facebook groups - with members of the public claiming that keeping owls inside was ‘cruel’ and protests planned outside the shop.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said she was pleased with the decision.
She said: "As an animal rights activist, I was deeply disturbed to see the opening of a new store displaying captive birds of prey including baby owls in the window.
"I wrote to the business owners to ask that they cease trading in this capacity. They have responded to say that they have closed and will re-open in future as a retail-only shop.
"Further to this, I have written to the RSPCA to ask for it to investigate and also to City of York Council to ask they review their licensing policy."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- New shop opens offering 'Owl Adventures' in York city centre
- International chain opens second York location in city centre
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