North Somerset Council (NSC) has ruled that allegations of animal cruelty made against Noah's Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol are "grossly unfair".

Inspectors from the council, which licenses the Wraxhall attraction, and two zoo inspectors carried out interviews with the proprietor and staff members as part of the probe into the claims. Zoo records were also examined and animal enclosures inspected after the Captive Animal Protection Society (CAPS) accused Noah's Ark Zoo Farm of "serious animal welfare issues".

NSC's executive member whose portfolio includes the licensing of zoos, Peter Bryant, said that animals at the attraction are "generally" well looked after, but admitted there were some failures to comply with government standards. Bryant said: "CAPS made a total of 16 allegations into the running of and practices at Noah's Ark. These have all been investigated and the report concludes that animals are generally well cared for by experienced and dedicated people.

"The inspection has also found that there have been some clear failures to comply with the appropriate standards. However, these are not of such a magnitude as to warrant revocation of the licence, but additional licence conditions are required." Noah's Ark Zoo Farm owner Anthony Bush said: "Animal rights organisations have tried everything to tarnish our excellent reputation over the last six months, including disturbing our visitors as they arrived at our gates."