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Scale of fox cub hunting at Welsh hunts revealed

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NEW figures released today by the League Against Cruel Sports expose the widespread practice of fox cub hunting in Wales this autumn, despite a ban on fox hunting that has been in place for nearly 20 years.

Cub hunting, a practice in which hounds are trained to kill by targeting young foxes, is a prelude to the main fox hunting season. The League’s data reveals a disturbing pattern of nine foxes seen being pursued, 11 cases of suspected illegal cub hunting, and 33 reports of hunts causing disorder in Welsh rural communities between August 1 and October 31, 2024.

The Flint and Denbigh Hunt stands out as a major offender, with reports indicating that its members chased seven foxes, engaged in nine suspected illegal hunts, and caused community disturbances on 21 occasions – the highest numbers recorded across the UK.

John Petrie, Senior Campaigns Manager for the League Against Cruel Sports, stated: “As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Hunting Act, these figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen the law. Allowing hounds to pursue and kill fox cubs in the Welsh countryside is abhorrent to most of the public. The law needs revision to eliminate exemptions, outlaw ‘trail hunting,’ and introduce custodial sentences for serious hunting crimes.”

Incidents categorized as suspected illegal cub hunting include instances where foxes were visibly pursued by hounds, signs of hounds marking foxes that have gone to ground, and cases where terriers were used to flush out foxes from underground dens.

Reports of “hunt havoc” include hounds straying onto roads, livestock harassment, damage to badger setts, pet attacks, and other wildlife disturbances. According to the League, if hunts were truly following pre-laid trails as claimed, none of these incidents would occur.

Data for both England and Wales highlights a total of 106 fox chases, 127 suspected cub hunts, and 315 cases of rural havoc caused by hunts, with the Flint and Denbigh Hunt ranking as the third worst offender across both nations.

John Petrie added: “Fox hunting continues, effectively unchanged, despite the ban. We urge the UK Government to make this fox hunting season the last, bringing an end to cub hunting for good.”

To report animal cruelty, contact the League’s Animal Crimewatch service at 0300 444 1234, via email at [email protected], or WhatsApp at 0755 278 8247.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

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MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

  • Goal Scorer: Lola P
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

  • Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
  • Players’ Player: Olivia D
  • Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

  • Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

  • Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

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News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

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As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

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Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

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PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.

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