CONVICTED (2024) | Lynn Haydon-Williams, born 6 April 1960, of Redgate, Hyde SK14 5DE, and Charlotte Haydon-Williams, born 17 November 1988, of Cheetham Fold Road, Hyde SK14 5DF – for the neglect of multiple animals in the care of their sanctuary.
Mother and daughter Lynn and Charlotte Haydon-Williams were found guilty of a number of offences following a trial on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
The court heard how neglected horses, including one suffering with multiple tumours, lame goats, pigs with hoof problems and an arthritic coatimundi were found at the Haywill Animal Centre by the RSPCA.
During 2020 and 2021, the RSPCA identified animal welfare concerns at sites in Glossop, Derbyshire and Broadbottom in Manchester.
The RSPCA had visited the rescue on previous occasions during which they had offered support and advice to the founder/owner Lynn Haydon-Williams.
In a statement read to the court RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo said she recalled attending the centre on May 11, 2021, when she saw “goats with overgrown feet that were struggling to walk normally, grossly obese pigs, a coati that appeared to have small masses on its underside and a horse with overgrown feet”.
Inspector Araujo continued: “I saw a number of large goats with overgrown hooves that appeared to have difficulty walking normally or walking at all. There was also a black pygmy goat who looked quite thin and you could feel his spine and hips when you put your hands on him.”
Among the animals taken into the care of the RSPCA was Gemma, a grey bay mare, who was covered in skin tumours. A vet later decided that the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
Another horse, called Casper, who was suffering from laminitis was also, sadly, put to sleep, as was a pot-bellied pig, who was suffering from overgrown feet.
An emaciated pygmy goat and the coatimundi, who was in poor health, passed away later.
Several of the horses required treatment for foot and hoof ailments.
In mitigation for Lynn Haydon-Williams, the court was told she previously did “a lot of good work for many people for a long time”. It was said that Covid impacted the rescue’s finances and lessened her ability to look after the animals. It was said that she had not deliberately mistreated the animals.
The court heard that Charlotte Haydon-Williams suffered from health problems which affected her care of the horse. The court accepted she was not responsible for the care of the other animals.
Lynn Haydon-Williams initially pleaded not guilty to 15 charges, but she was convicted of 13 offences after a trial.
Charlotte Haydon-Williams pleaded not guilty to the same 15 charges and was convicted of three offences relating to the care of a horse. It was ruled she had no case to answer on the remaining 12 charges.
The surviving animals – a horse and 10 goats – will be rehomed by the RSPCA.
Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Araujo said: “This owner was given ample time and opportunity to get the help she needed to give these animals the veterinary care and treatment they needed. Sadly, she did not take action and the animals suffered for longer than they had to.”
Sentencing |
Lynn Haydon-Williams: six-month custodial suspended for 18 months; 240 hours of unpaid work; £240 costs and £156 victim surcharge. She was given a lifetime disqualification from keeping animals except for dogs and cats.
Charlotte Haydon-Williams: 12-month community order; fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and £114 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping horses for three years (expires March 2027).