A ZOO owner is facing jail after he admitted a string of animal welfare charges.

Peter Lockhart was the co-owner of the Fife Animal Park, near Cupar, which closed in February after its owners were unable to sell it.

Now he could face a prison term after admitting failing to ensure the welfare of the animals in his park, as well as trading in endangered species without a licence.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard that for almost nine months before the park's closure Lockhart had failed to meet the needs of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals within the park. He admitted he "failed to provide a suitable, clean and ventilated environment with adequate cover and bedding".

Lockhart also failed to provide suitable food for the animals or adequate treatment for conditions they were suffering from, or protect them from injury, suffering or disease.

The 50-year-old further admitted breaching strict Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations.

He admitted he displayed lemurs, a marmoset, two wild cats, and rare birds for commercial purposes without a licence.

The court heard he also displayed and offered for sale three tortoises at the park.

Lockhart, of Glen Newton, Newton of Falkland, Fife, could face up to nine months in jail for the offences

Sheriff David Hall deferred sentence for two months for Lockhart to be of good behaviour and to appear again when he returns from a trip to the Philippines.

The 10-acre park housed 76 species including a zebra, Shetland ponies, meerkats, raccoons and owls.