A DALTON animal park is being prosecuted for alleged health and safety breaches relating to the death of a zoo keeper who was mauled to death by a tiger.

Barrow Borough Council announced today (July 6) that it was prosecuting South Lakes Safari Zoo and its director David Gill over the alleged breaches.

It follows the authority’s investigation into the death of 24-year-old Sarah Louise McClay on May 24, 2013, who suffered fatal injuries when attacked by one of the zoo's the Sumatran tigers, called Padang.

The council is also prosecuting the zoo for alleged health and safety breaches regarding an incident in July 2014 where a zoo keeper fell from a ladder while preparing to feed big cats.

There will be a further prosecution against the zoo and its boss relating to an alleged failure to comply with two improvement notices served by the authority.

MORE TOP STORIES: The proceedings commenced against South Lakes Safari Zoo Ltd are for the alleged failure to discharge its duties under Section 2 (1), 3 (1) and 21 of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 ("The Act") and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999.

The same offences are alleged in relation to Mr Gill in his capacity of director of the company, in line with the provisions contained within section 37 of The Act.

The initial court date has been set for August 27 at 1.45pm at Furness Magistrates' Court.

Barrow Borough Council was unable to comment due to legal proceedings now being active.