Hayes faced multiple charges related to severe animal neglect, including failing to protect animals from pain, injury, disease, and not providing adequate shelter, nutrition, or veterinary care. As a result, Hayes received a lifetime ban on keeping animals. The RSPCA described the case, known as Operation Teal, as one of the largest they had managed, involving over 100 staff from seven animal charities.

The court heard that despite previous advice to improve conditions, Hayes allowed the farm’s welfare standards to deteriorate significantly. Among the neglected animals were an elderly German shepherd suffering from arthritis who had to be euthanized, a cocker spaniel requiring hernia surgery, and several puppies suffering from severe hygiene-related issues such as faeces caking and urine scalds.