Blackpool restaurant owner denies knowledge of 26 live chickens in yard

A restaurant in Blackpool has been the subject of an RSPCA investigation and hygiene inspection after 26 live chickens were reportedly found at the back of the site.

Indian restaurant Saffron, in Poulton-Le-Fylde, was allegedly found to have had the chickens in its back yard during an environmental health inspection, although owner Rakmat Ullah reportedly had no idea they were there, according to local newspaper the http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk/articles/21/1/2013/347121/blackpool-hotel-damaged-by-fire.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Blackpool Gazette](http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/community/community-news/live-chickens-found-in-restaurant-probe-1-6696532).

Ullah told the paper that he believed the restaurant had been targeted, by someone who had "planted some chicken boxes" on the premises. He said: "I never expected to see anything like that in our back yard", and had been "amazed" at the discovery.

The chickens were reportedly taken away by the RSPCA, and the investigation into their presence is still underway.

Blackpool hotel owner sentenced to 18 months after safety inspection >>

[
Blackpool hotel damaged by fire >>