AN animal sanctuary owner has been congratulated for re-homing some of his wild birds and animals at a rescue centre.

Michael Taylor, who owns Mistley Place Park, has re-homed a number of wild birds and animals at the Leavenheath Rescue Centre, in Suffolk. Other animals have been removed from public display to a private garden.

Mistley Place Park had displayed owls, hawks, skunk, rhea and red squirrel to the public.

But following an investigation by Tendring Council and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Mr Taylor was told he must either register as a zoo, re-home the animals or remove them from public display.

Carlo Guglielmi, a ward member for Mistley, said he is delighted with the outcome.

He said: “It is a shame that this could not have been sorted out more quickly for everyone’s sake but Mr Taylor has now taken the necessary steps to prevent the need for a zoo licence which can work out extremely expensive."