31/01/2026
A Facebook post currently being widely shared contains false and defamatory allegations and forms part of a course of harassment. The matter has been formally reported by Hugo’s and is subject to an ongoing police investigation on our behalf.
The images and footage being circulated relate solely to an emergency relocation of animals, which was unavoidable due to the landlady’s material breach of lease, namely the failure to provide water and electricity as expressly required. In late November, we were informed by the landlady’s daughter that the electricity supply would not be reconnected for up to four months due to the premises being classed as a business. Following written correspondence from Hugo’s confirming the urgent welfare requirements of the animals and confirming that the landlady herself was permanently residing on site and had been since she purchased the land 2 years ago, the supply was reconnected within two days. Despite this, the landlady refused to allow the supply to be connected. An offer to install a pre-payment meter at our own expense via a qualified electrician was rejected on the basis that her own electrician would attend, this did not occur.
Generators on site were tampered with and deliberately disconnected overnight. Two animals subsequently died. At the time, this was believed to be the result of loss of power. However, video evidence now clearly demonstrates unauthorised entry and trespass, during which the landlady’s daughter brought multiple dogs onto the site. The footage shows those dogs harassing livestock, giving rise to serious concerns as to causation and liability for the deaths. This material has been formally provided to the police.
On 28 December, a further incident occurred in which all hoofstock were unlawfully released, resulting in damage to secured containers, as shown in footage currently being shared online. The animals were re-secured. Two cigarette ends were found on site, further evidencing unauthorised access and interference.
Assertions of financial mismanagement are misleading and inaccurate. These relate exclusively to a former trustee, identified, removed, and reported several months ago, who was found to have diverted charity funds into a personal account. This matter is being addressed through the Charity Commission and the police.
While operational lessons have been identified, animal welfare has at all times been prioritised, and no harm has occurred through neglect. Any failures arose from reliance on individuals who are now the subject of investigation.
Given the ongoing police enquiries, no further comment will be made. Any continued publication or repetition of false allegations may result in formal legal action without further notice. A full, evidenced account will be released when it is lawful and appropriate to do so.
I will however attach a few pictures taken between the 22nd December and 30th December showing the animals and site before it was deliberately damaged.
