HARRY Potter author JK Rowling has joined a campaign to crack down on the irresponsible ownership of owls, which is being unwittingly encouraged by the hit films based on her books.

The campaign is run by Neil and Juliana Fowler, who run the Scotton Owl and Raptor Rehabilitation (Soarr) sanctuary from the garden of their home in Scotton Village, near Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Their concerns began when the first film, Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone, came out more than a year ago and was reinforced when the sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, hit the big screen just before Christmas.

JK Rowling's stories feature Hedwig, a snowy owl, and the couple say the films have encouraged parents to try to obtain the birds for their children. They wrote to the author, pointing out that American-based Gary Gero, the chief animal trainer on the films for Warner Brothers, had issued a statement condemning the practice.

Now JK Rowling's agent, the Christopher Little Literary Agency, in London, has confirmed that she is backing the campaign.

Neil Blair, of the agency, responding on her behalf because she is busy completing her eagerly-awaited latest book, said: "Ms Rowling wholeheartedly supports and agrees the points raised by Warners, and in particular Gary Gero."

Mr Fowler, who started the sanctuary with Juliana, a former falconer, in 1998, said: "We are delighted with JK Rowling's comments. We do not criticise her - the books are wonderful - but many people do not realise that caring for owls is a highly specialised business best left to the experts."

* The sanctuary runs on voluntary donations, and anyone who would like to help can contact the couple on (01748) 836950.