Crime
UK’s largest exotic pet cruelty case raises alarm for Wales
RSPCA Cymru calls for tighter safeguards
A COURT case involving the rescue of nearly two thousand exotic animals from properties in Shropshire has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community — and prompted calls for tighter regulation in Wales.
The investigation, known as Operation Herald, saw 1,870 live animals — including geckos, tortoises, snakes, parrots and lizards — seized from several sites in Shropshire in what the RSPCA described as one of the largest exotic pet operations it has ever undertaken.
Many of the animals were found in cold, cramped and filthy conditions, with some discovered dead or dying. In total, 399 animals either died or were euthanised due to their poor condition.
At Shrewsbury Crown Court, David Neville Johnson, 37, of Manchester, was handed a 24-week suspended sentence, ordered to complete 125 hours of unpaid work, and banned from keeping animals for 16 years.

Warning for Wales
Although the case took place in England, RSPCA Cymru has warned that Wales is not immune from similar cases of neglect, as exotic pets grow increasingly popular.
The charity says the lack of statutory regulation for many animal welfare establishments in Wales leaves a dangerous gap that can allow poor conditions to go unnoticed.
Call for stronger laws
A spokesperson for RSPCA Cymru said: “While this shocking case occurred in England, it serves as a warning to Wales. There is currently no statutory regulation in Wales for many exotic or rescue establishments, meaning welfare risks can escalate unchecked.
“We need stronger legal safeguards, better enforcement, and greater public understanding of exotic pet care to prevent situations like this ever happening here.”
The charity continues to campaign for new licensing laws in Wales to ensure consistent welfare standards across the country and to protect exotic species that rely entirely on their owners for survival.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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