Hallswood Animal Sanctuary director Lyz Hall steps down

Lyz Hall stepped down from her role as director at Hallswood Animal Sanctuary after admitting that the site had received several visits from officers and the animal welfare charity in the last few weeks.

She will no longer be involved with any aspects of the organisation which is based in Stratton Strawless, near Horsford.

On Monday the sanctuary was raided as part of an operation between the police and the RSPCA.

The Avian Influenza (bird flu) sign at entrance to Hallswood Animal Sanctuary at Stratton Strawless (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

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

The police have confirmed that they are continuing to investigate individuals as a result of the raid. 

A statement released by Hallswood Animal Sanctuary said: "Between September 5 and 17 this year the police and RSPCA made multiple visits to the 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.

"Discussions have taken place and we have now secured the way forward regarding the future of the sanctuary and the animals currently in our care.  

Lyz Hall, director of Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, is stepping down amid the incident (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"In response to the active police investigation, we have appointed a new management team which will be working closely with the RSPCA going forward.  

"Lyz Hall, the current director at Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, will also be stepping aside and will not be involved with the organisation in the future."

READ MORE: City ranked worst in the country for taking action against fly-tipping

The sanctuary added that it continues to cooperate fully with the authorities on the active investigation.

A joint operation with the police and RSPCA saw them enter the sanctuary on September 16 (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

The rescue centre has been running for 28 years and states it is "dedicated to improving the lives of wildlife and domestic animals in Norfolk".

READ MORE: 'Appalling conditions' at sanctuary before animals were seized in police operation

Local wildlife expert, Kevin Murphy, recalled visiting the site saying it was "no sanctuary for animals."

It comes as a sign was spotted on the gate into the sanctuary that stated: "Avian Influenza (bird flu) Control Measure. STOP! You are entering a protection zone."

However Hallswood Animal Sanctuary says the sign has nothing to do with the police and RSPCA investigation.

The sanctuary is also appointing a new management team