AN animal sanctuary, which was founded in a suburban semi six years ago, is facing an uncertain future after running into trouble with the neighbours.

Following complaints from residents, officials have discovered that Bunny Burrows, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, has been operating without planning permission.

Now the refuge is having to apply for planning permission from Richmondshire District Council.

Home-owner Gwen Butler began by taking a handful of rescue cases.

But once word spread, she was soon dealing with appeals for help from across the region.

Rabbits and guinea pigs soon filled dozens of hutches in the garage and garden of her home on Whitefields Drive.

The rabbit refuge even attracted international acclaim when Mrs Butler paid for a pioneering tummy-tuck operation for one inmate with a weight problem.

"When I first found out I needed planning permission, I thought about just giving the whole thing up," said Mrs Butler.

"But then friends and helpers challenged me to explain that to the animals - and I just couldn't."

Mrs Butler says she has already scaled down the Bunny Burrows operation to meet some of her neighbours' concerns.

She added: "I hope we can find a compromise."