Community

Cat dies after being shot twice with air gun in Milford Haven

Published

1 week ago

June 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RSPCA appeals for information as cats and wildlife targeted in Hakin area

A CAT has died after being shot twice with an air gun in Milford Haven, prompting a fresh appeal from RSPCA Cymru.

The animal welfare charity said concern is growing after a number of cats and a pigeon were shot in the Hakin area in recent weeks.

The latest case involves a cat which was taken to All Pets Vet Care on May 11 after being shot in the left hind leg. A pellet was found embedded in the bone and vets planned to remove it after treating the cat with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

But the same cat was brought back to the practice in a collapsed state on Tuesday (May 26), unable to use either of its hind legs.

Further X-rays showed a second pellet in the right thigh, which had caused a serious femoral fracture. A healing fracture was also visible in the left tibia. Sadly, the cat died overnight.

‘Really upsetting’

Dr Cethin Ravenhill, from All Pets Vet Care said: “This has been really upsetting to deal with and I am shocked that anyone would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them, leading to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.

“For this cat to have been shot twice is very upsetting. Also, sometime between May 11 and last night, a fracture of his tibia was sustained on the left hind leg, which showed evidence of healing on the X-ray.

“This means this fracture is at least twelve or so days old. The two pellets were visible from the latest X-rays along with a severe, fresh femoral fracture of the right hind leg.

“He was signed over to the practice and received emergency supportive care overnight including antibiotics, but unfortunately passed away in the early hours of the morning, most likely due to sepsis from the femoral fracture caused by the pellet.”

Previous attacks

The latest incident follows an appeal last month after a pigeon was found injured on Charles Street by a passer-by.

The bird was examined at All Pets Vet Care after the incident on April 21, and a pellet was found to have shattered through its wing bones. The pigeon was later put to sleep.

In March, the RSPCA also appealed for information after several cats were shot with an air gun in the area. At least one cat died and three others were injured.

RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may also have been targeted and is urging the local community to help by reporting any information.

Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incidents, said: “The report of another cat being shot — and for a second time — is extremely concerning.

“It is heartbreaking to lose a pet, but it is devastating to find out that an air gun pellet had been the cause.

“There is a growing concern that cats and wildlife are being deliberately targeted and killed in this way — there is no excuse to harm a defenceless animal.”

Police informed

Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed.

Anyone deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if convicted under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Inspector Hogben added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01751732.

“We would also ask parents and carers to speak to and educate young people about this.”

The RSPCA says it receives almost 1,000 calls every year about air gun attacks, with cats and wildlife among the most vulnerable animals because they are often outside with no one to protect them.

Inspector Hogben said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.

“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”

Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or finds an injured animal can report it through the RSPCA website.

Community

Chapel’s call for time extension for Sunday school classroom while funding sought for permanent structure

Published

4 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire chapel to keep a temporary classroom used as a Sunday school while funding for a permanent building is sought has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Rev Jennifer Gough, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, seeks permission for the retention of a temporary classroom at Bethlehem Chapel, Bethlehem, near Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement says: “The chapel maintains an active congregation with Sunday school provision. The temporary classroom gained planning permission in 2017 and comprises a portacabin arrangement located to the west of the chapel. It comprises a single classroom internally and simple elevations. The structure is temporary with all services located within the existing chapel.

“Planning permission was originally granted in 2018 for temporary consent for the classroom. This has been reissued twice [in 2020 and 2022 schemes] whilst the chapel secured funds and agreed designs to allow for a permanent solution.

“This application seeks to renew consent for the temporary classroom which lapsed in February 2026, to allow for a final period of use of the temporary arrangement.

“Work is underway to submit a long-term, permanent arrangement to secure a classroom for the Sunday school but future planning and building work could still take some time. Therefore, to future proof the Sunday School and continue to support the congregation, further temporary permission is sought.”

It adds: “All features of this application remain the same as previous, with no additional arrangements proposed. There will be no foul output generated from this proposal.”

In finishes: “Overall, this application seeks to retain the temporary classroom for one further period to allow a permanent solution to be submitted into planning and subsequently be built, all whilst supporting the existing Sunday school and maintaining a functional congregation and chapel.

“The temporary classroom has been deemed appropriate under previous applications and there are no changes proposed, with all detailed matters remaining acceptable.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

At the start of the year, an extension to the chapel, for community activities, was approved by planning officers.

Community

West Wales trainer offers free first aid talks to community groups

Published

1 day ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FREE LIFE-SAVING SESSIONS AVAILABLE ACROSS THE REGION

A CARMARTHENSHIRE-based training company is offering free first aid awareness talks to community groups across West Wales.

Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd, founded by trainer and health and social care professional Andrew James-Deakin, is inviting organisations including Women’s Institutes, U3A groups, Rotary Clubs, Probus Clubs, churches, charities and community groups to book an interactive presentation.

The session, titled Could You Save a Life? Practical First Aid for Everyday Emergencies, covers CPR awareness, defibrillator use, choking, stroke recognition, heart attack awareness, burns and scalds, falls, seizures and anaphylaxis.

Andrew, who has more than 25 years’ experience in training, assessment, quality assurance, leadership and health and social care, said: “Many people worry that they would not know what to do if someone collapsed, suffered a stroke, had a heart attack or started choking.

“These talks are designed to give people confidence and practical knowledge that could make a real difference while waiting for professional help to arrive.”

The sessions are designed to be informative, engaging and interactive, giving participants practical knowledge that could help them support family members, friends, colleagues or members of the public during an emergency.

As part of a community introduction programme, Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd is currently offering the talks free of charge.

Organisations within 20 miles of Llanelli can book a session at no cost, while groups further afield are only asked to cover travel expenses.

Andrew added: “One of the aims of Pinnacle Workforce Training is to support local communities by making valuable skills and knowledge accessible to as many people as possible.

“If even one person leaves a session feeling more confident to help in an emergency, it will have been worthwhile.”

Community organisations interested in arranging a talk can contact Andrew James-Deakin on 07364 138827 or email [email protected].

Andrew James-Deakin: Director of Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd, pictured on the River Towy footbridge in Carmarthen (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Graffiti condemned after Johnston wall vandalised

Published

1 day ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

‘PETTY AND MINDLESS’ ATTACK CRITICISED BY LOCAL COUNCILLOR AND MS

A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has condemned “mindless” graffiti daubed on a wall in Johnston, saying it sends the wrong message to children, visitors and residents.

Cllr Aled Thomas, who represents Johnston, said he was “really angry” after seeing the words sprayed in blue paint in the village.

He said he was not personally offended by the abuse, but was upset by the impact on the wider community.

Cllr Thomas said: “What really angered me was what type of message this sends to visitors and young people in our community, particularly as there are so many hardworking people behind the scenes just trying to make Johnston a better place for everyone.”

He said Johnston Community Council had worked hard to improve local green spaces, including Glebelands Field, the Woodland Walk and Vine Field, as well as ensuring play parks were safe to use.

He added: “Someone throwing all that hard work by local residents down the drain by detracting from it with petty graffiti makes me angry.”

The councillor also said children walking to Johnston School should not be exposed to “mindless disgusting language”, adding that staff and governors worked hard to foster “decency and respect”.

Addressing whoever was responsible, he said: “If you have a personal problem with me or my party, I suggest you reach out to me to discuss your problems without ruining the village for everyone else.

“Failing that, you can graffiti your ballot paper next May instead and vote me out as your local councillor — but until that day comes, I’ll continue doing my very best to help Johnston and its residents thrive, and no graffiti will ever stop me.”

Paul Davies MS also criticised the vandalism, saying: “This is absolutely disgraceful. Of course, I realise that people disagree with our views as Conservatives but to vandalise, use this language and spoil our environment is totally unacceptable.”

Photo caption:

Vandalism condemned: Graffiti sprayed on a wall in Johnston has been criticised by Cllr Aled Thomas and Paul Davies MS (Pic: Facebook).