A local wildlife expert has recalled the "appalling conditions" of a wildlife sanctuary days after a number of its animals seized and put down.

Kevin Murphy, a wildlife expert who runs Norfolk Wildlife Rescue, had a "horrendous experience" the one and only time he visited Hallswood Animal Sanctuary.

It comes after the site, at Stratton Strawless, near Horsford, was part of a joint operation between the police and RSPCA which recovered animals from the shelter.

Hallswood Animal Sanctuary is located at Stratton Strawless, near HorsfordHallswood Animal Sanctuary is located at Stratton Strawless, near Horsford (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Mr Murphy said: "When I went the place was no sanctuary for animals.

"There were dogs barking non-stop in a boarded-up mobile caravan, injured wildlife roaming around and filth strewn across the entire site.

"No staff were present and I was left depressed at the appalling conditions this 'rescue' was kept in.

"My heart died as I knew I couldn't take them all."

Despite happening roughly 14 years ago Mr Murphy says he's never ventured back to the site but heard multiple stories of "overcrowding and poor housing conditions".

Police and the RSPCA were seen at the site on September 16Police and the RSPCA were seen at the site on September 16 (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

He added the operation could have a knock-on effect to vets around the city and called on local MPs to introduce basic welfare standards for all rescue centres.

He said: "The action taken may increase the workload of veterinary surgeries and other rescues will have to take any overspill from Hallswood.

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"I believe it won't be the last animal sanctuary to be checked on.

Kevin Murphy, who runs Norfolk Wildlife Rescue, said the site was no sanctuary for animalsKevin Murphy, who runs Norfolk Wildlife Rescue, said the site was no sanctuary for animals (Image: Kevin Murphy)

Officers from both the police and RSPCA were seen at the site on September 16.

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

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

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

Some animals were seized while some were euthanised on welfare groundsSome animals were seized while some were euthanised on welfare grounds (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Police investigating after joint operation

A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary said: "Officers were involved in an operation, assisted by the RSPCA, at Hallswood Animal Sanctuary in Stratton Strawless on Monday. 

"A number of animals were seized 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."

Hallswood Animal Sanctuary was also contacted for comment.

Police confirmed wild animals were also found on site, such as squirrelsPolice confirmed wild animals were also found on site, such as squirrels (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)