Animal schools service in Bedford has licence suspended over safeguarding concerns
The Petsman Animal Encounters, in Marston Moretaine, has had it’s licence suspended.
Bedford Today understands the move follows safeguarding-related concerns coming to Central Bedfordshire Council’s attention.
The mobile animal handling and educational petting service – which operates across the county as well as Buckinghamshire – will take no new bookings and any existing appointments will not proceed until further notice.
The company links up with not only schools but children's parties, residential care homes, nurseries, and SEND children events as well as Brownies and Scouts. Youngsters and pensioners get the chance to see snakes, spiders and owls up close and personal.
But in a post on social media, The Petsman Animal Encounters wrote: “As some of you have been made aware I have had my pets licence suspended for 28 days. This has been due to a few infringements concerning my events. All I can do is apologise for any inconvenience it has caused people.
“We can guarantee you all our animals are still kept in the best of health, and will continue to be kept to the highest standard, as these are all my personal pets.
“We will continue to take bookings for December onwards.”
Cllr Gareth Mackey, executive member for children and families at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The safety and wellbeing of children is our priority. Safeguarding-related concerns have been brought to our attention and inquiries are ongoing. As these inquiries remain active, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the details at this stage.
“We have shared information with relevant safeguarding contacts, including schools and early years providers, so they are aware of the current position and can make informed decisions in line with their own safeguarding responsibilities and risk assessment processes.
“We can also confirm that, separately, a licence for the keeping or training of animals for exhibition is currently suspended for 28 days following a recent compliance inspection.”
We’ve approached The Petsman Animal Encounters for comment.