A WEST Somerset zoo owner is warning he could be forced to kill some of his most popular animals under new legislation being imposed by Brussels.

Chris Moiser, the zoological director of Washford’s Tropiquaria Zoo, fears his raccoons Missy and Rocky, together with the attraction’s coatis and its raccoon-dog Tanuki, will have to be re-homed or put to sleep.

However, he claims the likelihood of rehoming any of the creatures is next to zero under the parameters laid down in the European directive and all are now effectively living under a death sentence.

“If Europe gets its own way on this, after two years you will not see a raccoon, a coati, or a raccoon-dog in any European Zoo, just in case they escape and set up home locally.

“We are a small zoo, we love our animals, some of the ex-pets are particularly endearing and friendly.

“Rocky raccoon (pictured) is possibly top of that list – how do I explain to my staff and visitors that we have had to kill him?” Mr Moiser said.

The EU wants to introduce legislation – known as Regulation (EU) No. 1143 of 2014 – to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

Brussels has drawn up a list of what it views as potentially invasive species, although many argue that some of the animals and plants on it should be removed, while others such as mink are not listed despite being hugely destructive when they escape into the wild.

Mr Moiser said: “The list of prohibited species may be added to at any time, and will be reviewed every six years.”

He said the UK Government would have little opportunity to object to or amend the law, with zoos and private keepers expected to comply within two years.