A NOW-closed West Somerset visitor attraction has announced its permanent closure after the owner was convicted of an animal welfare offence and given a suspended prison sentence.

The Golden Retriever Experience, in Carhampton, has not been open since its 34 dogs were seized by RSPCA and police officers early last year and Somerset Council revoked its licence.

Nicolas Eugene Grant St James had appealed against the loss of his licence and the Free Press understands he had been given until Thursday (July 24) to update a First Tier Tribunal on the outcome of criminal proceedings against him.

This week, he was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for a year, and banned for 10 years from keeping dogs after admitting an RSPCA charge of not properly providing for the welfare of his pack of golden retrievers.

Now, a statement on the centre’s website and social media page advised anybody with a gift card to to make contact by email.

Mr Grant St James said: “Over the last year, we have been addressing issues raised by Somerset Council and the RSPCA, and working closely with them, as well as our legal advisors.

“The court indicated where they wished to see areas of improvement, and these have since been made.

“We were happy with the RSPCA’s recent visit, which was helpful and productive, and they were satisfied with the current condition of our premises.

“It was also important to us to have professional affirmation of our quality of care from our vet, whose submission to court stated he never felt any dogs were maltreated or showed signs of neglect.

“We are delighted three dogs will be returning to us.

“Our dogs were first and foremost our pets long before we started the GRE, and they will continue to be loved and cared for as they always have been.”