Animal sanctuary wins court fight with council to keep lemurs

The high-profile founder of a private animal sanctuary has won an appeal against a decision by Uttlesford District Council to refuse her application to keep ring-tailed Lemurs.

Jodie Marsh, a former model, applied for a licence for the keeping of eight ring-tailed lemurs at Fripps Farm in Lindsell, Essex, under the provisions of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

However, Uttlesford District Council rejected the application at a licensing and environmental health committee meeting in July – citing concerns about the approach of Ms Marsh in relation to the “control and management of the proposed animals”.

After appealing the council’s decision at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, District Judge Christopher Williams said Ms Marsh was "someone who very much cares for animals" and ordered the local authority to pay £19,641 in costs.

According to the BBC, the judge criticised the council for providing "completely contradictory" views and going against reports stating Ms Marsh was a suitable keeper.

The judge also questioned why the authority said the lemurs would be too noisy, despite it admitting this was "impossible to measure".

Fripps Farm Animal Rescue is home to over 250 animals, including cows, llamas, horses and reptiles.

An Uttlesford District Council spokesperson said: “The decision by councillors to not grant the Dangerous Wild Animals licence was made following careful consideration of both the supporting and opposing evidence in a public process. Whilst we are disappointed with the ruling today, the Court has taken a fresh look at it and reached a different conclusion, which we fully respect.”

Fripps Farm has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson