Director of Norfolk animal sanctuary steps down as welfare investigation continues
A number of animals in the sanctuary's care had to be put down after vet examinations
Last updated 20th Sep 2024
The director of an animal rescue centre in Norfolk's stepping down - as an animal welfare investigation takes place.
Police and the RSPCA visited Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, in Stratton Strawless, earlier this week and seized a number of animals, some of which had to be euthanised on welfare grounds after being examined by vets.
In a statement released on social media, the sanctuary says it's fully cooperating with authorities, and confirmed director Lyz Hall will no longer be involved with the organisation.
The statement in full
"Between 5 September 2024 and 17 September 2024 the police and RSPCA made multiple visits to Hallswood Animal Sanctuary to investigate concerns regarding animal welfare.
During this police-led investigation, the RSPCA took away a number of animals for ongoing medical assessment, and euthanised several other animals on site.
This matter remains an active police investigation, and we continue to cooperate fully with the authorities.
During our 28-year history Hallswood Animal Sanctuary has been dedicated to improving the lives of wildlife and domestic animals in Norfolk through rehabilitation, education and community outreach. Our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and rehoming thousands of animals each year, and we have provided a forever home at our sanctuary for thousands of animals that could not be released or rehomed.
Discussions have taken place, and we have now secured the way forward regarding the future of Hallswood Animal Sanctuary and the animals currently in our care.
In response to the active police investigation, we have appointed a new management team, and they will be working closely with the RSPCA going forward.
Lyz Hall, the current Director at Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, will be stepping aside and will not be involved with the organisation in the future.
Further updates will be published on our website and social media channels in due course."
What does the RSPCA say?
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “This is a police-led operation which the RSPCA is assisting with. As this is an active investigation we are unable to provide any more information.”
What does Norfolk Police say?
A spokesperson said: "Officers were involved in an operation, assisted by the RSPCA, at Hallswood Animal Sanctuary in Stratton Strawless (Monday, September 16) to seize a number of animals under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act.
"Wild animals were also found on site, such as squirrels, seizure of these animals is under the power of Section 26 of The Invasive Alien Species Order 2019. Police are investigating the circumstances around the matter.
“The animals have been examined by specialist vets, with some euthanised on welfare grounds, while others have been taken for ongoing assessment.”
No arrests have been made.