Black Isle Country Park gets new licence
A LICENCE to run a petting zoo has been granted to a controversial Highland park today (Tuesday).
Just months after its zoo licence was revoked, Highland councillors have given the former Black Isle Wildlife Park a second chance despite concerns about animal welfare.
Under the new licence, the North Kessock attraction, now Black Isle Country Park, can house domestic animals, including goats, donkeys, and deer. Exotic creatures previously on show have now been rehomed, with the exception of one zebra, although work is underway to move it.
Environmental health officers told the council's licensing committee they had placed strict conditions on park owners, the Maxwell family, relating to animal welfare, maintenance plans and public access, and were satisfied they had been met.
Councillors agreed to grant the licence, on the understanding these standards will continue.
"This licence is not a zoo licence, it is completely different," said licencing committee chair Ian Cockburn.
"If the conditions are not followed they will be back here very quickly."
* For the full story see this week's North Star.
