ONLINE protests have been growing after the return of three dogs to one of the owners of a disgraced West Somerset visitor attraction.

The Golden Retriever Experience (GRE) offered petting sessions with its 34 dogs until they were seized by the RSPCA and the attraction’s licence was revoked by Somerset Council last year.

The business was run by Nicolas Grant St James and his singer-songwriter daughter Lauren St James.

Mr Grant St James said last month GRE would not reopen after he was convicted of mistreating the animals and banned for 10 years from keeping dogs.

It was then revealed three of the golden retrievers were returned to Lauren, sparking outrage on social media.

Former staff posted horrific tales of how the GRE dogs had been treated and graphic photographs of injuries, and expressed fears the three dogs would be in danger.

One ex-employee, Maisie Lang, said: “We are sharing this in hopes that public attention can help protect these three dogs and give them the future they truly deserve.”

A South Western Golden Retriever Club spokesperson said: “We were completely unaware of this and are disgusted and appalled.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Anybody who suspects somebody is breaching a ban and ignoring an order of the court should report this, as it is an offence as this is a sentencing order imposed by the court.”

Lauren told the Free Press via a reputation management company: “The dogs are happy and well and will remain loved and deeply treasured under my care.

“The returned dogs are legally allowed to be around my father at our house, as long as I am present and are not in his sole care.

“Despite allegations on social media, there have been no charges made against me related to this matter and I will be in close contact with the RSPCA going forward.”