A former falconry centre that supplied owls for a Harry Potter film is being investigated by the RSPCA after concerns were raised about the welfare of the birds.

Officers from the animal charity removed several birds, thought to include owls and harris hawks, from Old Park Farm in Eastmoor, Wakefield.

In 2005, nine eagle owls kept at the site were signed up by cinema giant Warner Brothers for blockbuster film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The birds appeared in a scene in which Harry goes to the owlery to send a letter to his godfather Sirius Black. It is not thought any of the birds used in the film were among those removed by the RSPCA.

The raid took place on Monday and the council-owned site is now empty.

Local councillor Ron Halliday said: “It had a very illustrious past and it is a shame it has come to this.

“The poor condition of some of the birds was brought to our attention and we had no option but to call in the RSPCA.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “I can confirm an operation to remove a number of birds from Old Park Farm did take place.

“As this is an active investigation, the society is unable to give any further details at this stage.”

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