News

Judge dismisses appeal in ‘truly disturbing’ animal neglect case

Published

6 years ago

December 9, 2019

A CROWN court judge has upheld a judgement of a case which saw the neglect and death of 58 cows. In his judgement, the judge described the offence as ‘truly disturbing’. The west Wales case related to the conviction of David Davies, and Evan Meirion Davies of Penffynnon Farm, Bangor Teifi, near Newcastle Emlyn.

They had both pleaded guilty to 13 charges of animal neglect in February 2019. They later appealed the Magistrates Court’s sentence banning them from keeping animals for five years. The brothers had frustrated the appeals process by securing adjournments in seven appeal hearings. Another request to adjourn the eighth hearing on Monday 2 December was not granted.

They also sought to appeal the guilty verdict despite pleading guilty to the charges earlier in the year.

The prosecution followed a visit by Animal Health Officers and Animal and Plant Health Agency vet to the farm in April 2018. Officers found 58 cattle carcasses in various states of decay in the cattle sheds and surrounding fields. The remaining cattle were housed in terrible conditions with no food, water or dry lying area.

The vet confirmed that the cattle were being caused unnecessary suffering, and that the dead cattle had succumbed to the horrendous conditions found in the sheds, and died of neglect.

The vet had to euthanize two cows to stop further suffering during visits to the premises. This is one of the worst cases of animal welfare neglect seen by the Animal Health team of Ceredigion County Council. Alun Williams is Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Lead Officer responsible for Policy and Performance. He said, “We had no doubt that the judge would uphold the judgement of the Aberystwyth Magistrates Court.

Although we have been frustrated by the delay caused by the appellants, we are satisfied with the result. “The vast majority of Ceredigion farmers take excellent care of their animals and uphold high standards of animal welfare. We will make sure we pursue the small minority who do not.

We will not hesitate to prosecute in such devastating cases of animal neglect.” Their initial sentences were upheld.

They were sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months, and were disqualified from keeping any animals for five years. The brothers will be allowed 28 days to dispose of the herd.

They were ordered to pay costs to the council of £420.

Community

Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations

Published

18 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi

BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”

The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.

The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.

The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.

Local Government

Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond

Published

33 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.

According to the latest update:

• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents

Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.

Local Government

Work begins on major housing and care scheme in Haverfordwest

Published

40 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.

Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.

Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.

Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.