THE FESTIVE FRIENDS of Milford Haven School are back, bringing their Christmas magic to the community for a second year running.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, the Festive Friends project has returned to combat loneliness and spread holiday cheer. This heartwarming effort is made possible through support from the Ascona Community Foundation, whose funding has helped the students kick off another season of joy.

The pupils marked the start of Advent by visiting Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, where they hosted a festive afternoon for the Stroke Survivors Group. Attendees were treated to Christmas bingo, seasonal quizzes, and delicious treats, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

One Milford Haven student reflected on the experience, saying: “It was an honour to be part of this project and socialise with the older members of our community. Their stories are so interesting, and they’re so funny.” Another student added: “I’m so happy our school lets us work with the community. It’s inspired me to give back in the future.”

The project’s impact was felt deeply by attendees, with one guest commenting: “This was such a lovely way to start the countdown to Christmas. I don’t get out much, so it was wonderful to be among friends and chat with young people from our community.” Another remarked: “The students were so polite and kind. The school should be incredibly proud of them.”

With its second year proving just as successful as the first, the Festive Friends project has once again highlighted the power of community, kindness, and Christmas spirit.

A MAN has been sentenced after four dogs were discovered living in squalid conditions in a Pembroke Dock property, which was littered with rubbish and contaminated with faeces and urine.

The animals—a male chow, two bulldog-type dogs (one male and one female), and a male lurcher—were found in January 2024 in a state of neglect. Two of the dogs were confined to cages, with one described as being in an appalling condition.

The male chow, found with a matted coat contaminated with faeces, was in such poor health that he appeared unresponsive. The female bulldog-type dog, also in a cage, had no bedding or water, although dry dog food was present. The environment was described as filthy and unsuitable for any animals.

Court proceedings

Kane Robert Jake Watson (24), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act. He appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Nov 27), where he was handed a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. Watson was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work, pay £750 in costs, and was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Failure to care for animals

Watson admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the male chow and the female bulldog by failing to investigate and address their poor condition and weight loss. He also failed to provide necessary veterinary care for the bulldog’s skin condition. Additionally, he was found guilty of failing to meet the basic needs of all four dogs, including providing a suitable environment, fresh drinking water, and adequate care and supervision.

Inspector’s statement

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben attended the property on January 24, 2024, following a request from the local dog warden to conduct a welfare check.

“I entered the property, and the smell of dog faeces and urine made me cough,” said Inspector Hogben. “The environment was filthy, wet, and strewn with household rubbish. Dog faeces and urine were on the floor.”

He described finding the male chow in a cage without water and with a heavily matted coat. “The chow was in poor condition and smelled disgusting. The female bulldog in the adjacent cage was lean and had no water or bedding, although dry food was present.”

Two other dogs, a bulldog with a cherry eye and a lurcher, were found elsewhere in the property. While they appeared in better health, the environment was deemed unsuitable for them.

Outcome for the dogs

Following a veterinary assessment, the male chow and female bulldog were determined to be in a state of suffering. The chow’s health deteriorated further despite treatment, and he was humanely euthanized. The remaining dogs were taken into police care and rehomed.

This case highlights the serious consequences of neglecting animals and the importance of maintaining proper living conditions to meet their welfare needs.

HAVERFORDWEST MAGISTRATES’ COURT will host multiple cases tomorrow (Dec 11) concerning alleged breaches of fishing regulations in Pembrokeshire waters. These cases highlight ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with marine legislation aimed at preserving sustainable fishing practices.

Several individuals and companies from Belgium are due to appear, accused of failing to comply with fishing regulations. Among them are Rederij ARIS BVI (a firm) and Kevin De Groote, both charged with failing to maintain accurate logbook records for catches made by the fishing vessel Windroos (PLN: Z98) between September 20 and 30, 2023. These cases carry potential unlimited fines under the Fisheries Act 1981.

Other Belgian defendants include Yannick Bernard, Zeemansblik BVBA (a firm), and Vaya Con Dios BV (a firm), each accused of similar logbook inaccuracies involving their respective vessels during different periods. These charges also carry severe penalties, with cases adjourned from earlier hearings.

Two individuals, Deniss Ivanovs and Juris Liepins, along with Pentire Fishing Limited, face charges for allegedly fishing for whelks in the Welsh zone without the required permits earlier this year. Their cases, related to operations involving the vessel Amber Mabel (PLN: PW21), were previously adjourned and now return for further hearings. The maximum penalty for these offences under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 is a Level 5 fine.

The court will also hear cases involving Peter Nicholls and Joseph Linden Speirs, accused of contravening prohibition orders in the Three Rivers Estuary. Their alleged offences, including fishing for cockles during a closure period, breach the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967. These cases were also adjourned for further management.

Repeated adjournments feature prominently, with several cases delayed at the request of either the defence or prosecution. This highlights the complexities of prosecuting international maritime offences.

The Herald says: Tomorrow’s session underscores the court’s role in upholding marine laws, a vital step in combating overfishing and ensuring compliance with regulations designed to protect the UK’s marine environment.