STAFF at the New Forest Owl Sanctuary have received threats from animal lovers after the centre was savaged in a television documentary.

BBC South wildlife presenter Chris Packham and his Inside Out watchdog programme slammed the owl sanctuary at Ringwood with allegations of cruel and improper treatment of the birds, claiming illegal possession of rare species, neglect of birds, release of captive bred chicks and killing sick and unwanted birds by knocking their heads against a wall.

The 20-minute programme on Monday night also included secret footage filmed by an undercover researcher posing as a volunteer helper at the Crow Lane complex and interviews with former owl sanctuary staff.

Owl sanctuary boss Bruce Berry declined to be interviewed on camera but strongly denied the allegations.

He told the Daily Echo the programme makers had relied on the evidence of disgruntled former employees and claimed the secret filming was underhand and distorted.

But in a statement issued yesterday Mr Berry said: "As a result of the programme Inside Out matters have been brought to my attention and I am now starting a full investigation.

"We will be making a statement when all the details have been established."

Visitors and volunteers at the sanctuary have rallied to the defence of Mr Berry.

"I have been coming here for more than two years and never seen any cruelty," said one volunteer who asked not to be named after receiving threats in the wake of the Inside Out broadcast.

A couple making a regular visit to the owl sanctuary yesterday said they had not seen the programme but did not believe the allegations.

But the Echo has also received approaches from other former employees who claimed they were dismissed after raising bird welfare concerns with Mr Berry.

They had also reported their concerns to Hampshire police wildlife crime officer but no action had been taken.

Chris Packham said yesterday: "We've had a huge response to the programme from the public and the overwhelming majority of calls and e-mails have been supportive."

A spokesman for New Forest District Council, which is responsible for monitoring the owl sanctuary under the Zoo Licensing Act, pledged to investigate the complaints made by Inside Out but said a recent inspection had proved satisfactory and checks in the wake of complaints made by former staff 18 months ago had uncovered no problems.