Complaints about animal sales at Bridgwater Fair

One of the oldest town fairs in the country is being investigated following claims vendors were selling dogs, cats and poultry without a licence and in poor condition.

Bridgwater Town Council, along with the RSPCA and Somerset Council, said it was "aware of concerns" surrounding the sale and welfare of animals at Bridgwater Fair.

The opening day of the fair - an important event in the traveller community - traditionally sees the sale of horses.

The council said complaints around the sale and welfare of other animals at this year's fair has been "unprecedented".

Visitors to this year's fair said on social media that they saw people being sold puppies and kittens in an area behind the main fairground.

While reports and claims have been published on social media, and responded to by councils, the BBC cannot verify the full extent of the allegations.

A spokesperson for Bridgwater Council said: "We recognise the public's expectation that appropriate standards are maintained at all times.

"While animals have long formed part of the fair's history, the circumstances reported this year were unprecedented in our experience.

"The council has not previously encountered concerns on this scale relating to animals other than horses being offered for sale."

The council spokesperson said the horse market and associated trading activity had "developed through a longstanding tradition".

The spokesperson said: "The council does not organise animal sales or oversee private transactions taking place between those in attendance."

The council said it would engage with the RSPCA, Somerset Council, and those who organise the market, "to identify practical steps that could strengthen animal welfare arrangements at future fairs".

Somerset Council, which is a licensing authority, said it "takes animal welfare seriously and is working to establish the relevant facts and understand what role, if any, the council may have in relation to the issues being reported".

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.