Sutton pet shop Petsville has had its licence to sell animals renewed, to the disappointment of animal welfare campaigners.

Sutton Council found no reason to revoke the licence despite numerous on-the-spot inspections and investigations into complaints.

"We found a lack of leaflets on animal care and a lack of cleaning in certain areas but none of the problems found entailed enforcement action. All problems were dealt with immediately and informally," said council officer Sara Shackleton.

Ben Boys, the shop's owner, was present at the hearing.

"I'm confident and competent after 16 years experience of dealing with animal welfare at our Sutton and Kingston branches. I am always willing to cooperate with any relevant agency," he said.

The pet shop has been subject of a campaign by the Petsville Protesters - a group of people who can be seen regularly handing out leaflets outside the shop.

Supported by animal welfare charity Animal Aid the group has compiled a dossier of complaints against the shop and a petition asking the council to revoke its license. It claims that the shop does not track the background of the animals its has on sale and has concerns about the welfare of the animals.

"Failing to rescind the licence continues to cast a shadow of doubt over the integrity of the committee," said a spokeswoman for the protesters.

Councillors rebuffed these claims.

"I take issue with this. We deal with the issue as we are allowed to deal with it," said Councillor Roger Roberts. The committee also heard how complaints made against the shop had not been upheld by the council, apart from one which was still under investigation.

After hearing the evidence councillors approved the licence renewal with the condition that Mr Boys continues to keep an electronic cross-referencing system for any animals bought or sold.