Police seize animals in operation at Hallswood Sanctuary

Officers were seen at Stratton Strawless near Horsford yesterday afternoon.

Focusing on the Hallswood Sanctuary, the operation relates to concerns over the animal's welfare.

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Several of their animals were seized under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act - legislation giving inspectors the power to help animals in distressing and suffering circumstances.

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said: "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.

The sanctuary is on Shortthorn Road near Horsford (Image: Google)"Police are investigating the circumstances around the matter."

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Specialist vets were at the scene to examine the animals with some euthanised on "welfare grounds".

Assisted by the RSPCA Other animals have been taken by the vets for ongoing assessment.

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.”

A spokesman for Hallswood Animal Sanctuary said: "This matter remains an active police investigation, and we continue to cooperate fully with the authorities.

"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."