A birds of prey exhibition team has come under fire after operating for months without the required licence.

The Sky Birds of Prey Display Team, based in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, have been accused by animal welfare charity Freedom for Animals of flying birds at their premises without being in possession of the Animal Activities Licence.

According to guidelines under the legislation, businesses which keep animals for exhibition, either for entertainment or educational purposes, must hold this licence.

Sam Threadgill, director of Freedom for Animals, said it is important companies are held to account to ensure the proper treatment of animals.

He said: "It's extremely concerning that Sky Birds of Prey has been operating for about a year totally unlicensed, which is potentially unlawful.

"These licences were brought into effect to to increase the welfare conditions of these animals and the birds of prey, and without that licence, there's simply no way of knowing what conditions these animals are held in."

According to the website of the charity, one of its missions statements is to "take action to end the captivity of animals, especially those used for entertaining the public in zoos, circuses and the media industry."

Mr Threadgill said another problem with the new legislation is that the animal activities licences are granted by local authorities, which creates a disparity across the country depending on which council is granting the licence.

He added: "This lack of licensing and lack of scrutiny in the industry is extremely concerning, because at the end of the day, it's these birds that are suffering.

"Without these licences, Defra inspectors simply cannot check on these places and these abuses continue to happen under the radar."

At the time of the legislation change, Animal Welfare Minister, David Rutley, said: "The licensing systems for businesses that work with animals have not been reformed for almost fifty years.

"The changes in place from today simplify these into one system for local authorities, help consumers to make better informed decisions and will further improve animal welfare."

"This lack of licensing and lack of scrutiny in the industry is extremely concerning..."

Despite Sky Birds of Prey holding a licence under the old legislation, they should have owned the new licence by the end of the grace period of April 2019.

A spokesperson from Sevenoaks District Council said: "The Sky Birds of Prey Display Team held a Certificate of Registration for Performing Animals from Sevenoaks District Council. The certificate was valid from 18 December 2014 until 1 October 2018.

"From 1 October 2018, businesses that exhibit animals would need to apply for a licence from their local council."

Freedom for Animals discovered the lack of licence when submitting a Freedom of Information request to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, which confirmed that the team did not hold it.

The FOI request read: "As of the 3rd March 2020 Sky Birds of Prey does not hold a licence under animal activities, however an application has been made and an assessment will be undertaken shortly."

Sky Birds of Prey Dislpay Team were approached for comment.

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