A Somerset-based golden retriever tourist attraction once lauded by dog lovers has fallen from grace, following revelations of severe animal welfare violations leading to the suffering and tragic deaths of several dogs. The owner, Nicolas St James, now faces a decade-long ban on owning dogs, after a court found his facility, known as the Golden Retriever Experience, failed to deliver even the most basic care for its animals.
The verdict was delivered at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court in Weston-super-Mare on Wednesday. During sentencing, District Judge Angela Brereton described the situation at the Carhampton-based attraction as “woefully inadequate”, painting a grim picture of neglect and cruelty. She criticised Mr St James, 62, for repeatedly disregarding advice and warnings from authorities, adding that he had shown “no remorse” throughout the process.
In addition to the ban, St James received an 18-week sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to undertake 200 hours of community service, complete ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, pay £5,000 in costs and a £150 victim surcharge.
The initial investigation was launched by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) after multiple reports detailed injuries and fatalities among the dogs at the tourist destination. These distressing incidents were largely attributed to overcrowding and insufficient supervision, conditions that fostered aggressive behaviour and fighting among the animals.
Photographs taken during the investigation and subsequently released by the RSPCA depict distressingly cramped enclosures. After repeated warnings failed to elicit improvements, all of the dogs were eventually removed from the premises by police and animal welfare officers.
A veterinary professional involved in the case provided a damning assessment, stating that none of the dogs’ needs—as outlined under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act—had been met. “The environment was inadequate in size and comfort. There was a lack of constant access to clean drinking water and dogs were not protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease,” the vet detailed.
Following the court’s decision, RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel expressed deep disappointment, stating, “These dogs were failed when it came to receiving the care they needed. Water, comfort, and a safe environment are fundamental requirements. Every animal owner has a responsibility to fulfil these basic needs to protect animal welfare.”
The Golden Retriever Experience previously attracted significant tourist interest and media attention, with many guests charmed by the novel opportunity to spend time with groups of retrievers. For a fee, visitors could pet and play with the dogs, with the business promoting itself as a haven for animal lovers seeking therapeutic encounters.
However, the reality behind the scenes proved a far cry from the marketed image. Rhianne Aitken, a former employee who worked at the centre between May and August 2023, became one of several staff members to formally report St James. She described her time at the facility as a “horrible nightmare”, recalling harrowing experiences such as the mauling death of an individual dog placed among unfamiliar animals in cramped conditions. “He wasn’t part of the pack, and they obviously turned on him. He deserved so much better,” Aitken told the BBC.
Many staff and visitors were led to believe the dogs were well cared for, only to discover the distressing reality over time. The attraction, which closed its doors last year, is now a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous animal welfare oversight.
This high-profile case has reignited calls for tougher regulations on animal-based tourism projects in the UK. Animal welfare advocates urge that such enterprises must meet strict standards, prioritising the health, safety, and dignity of the animals at their core.
The RSPCA continues to remind the public and potential business owners alike of their shared responsibility to ensure all animals are treated humanely, regardless of a facility’s popularity or public profile. As the investigation comes to a close, the hope remains that no more animals will have to endure similar suffering within the industry.