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Charity

Senedd’s private rented sector debate welcomed by Dogs Trust

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AROUND 15% of dogs relinquished to Dogs Trust are handed over due to housing issues, highlighting the pressing need for pet-friendly rental accommodations. Recent research shows only 46% of landlords currently allow pets, a statistic Dogs Trust is determined to change.

The charity welcomed yesterday’s debate in the Senedd on the Private Rental Sector (PRS) report, as it continues to push for measures that support responsible pet ownership among renters.

The PRS report, published in October 2024 by the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee, underscores the need for greater availability of pet-friendly housing in Wales. Evidence from Dogs Trust and other organizations was pivotal in shaping the report’s recommendations.

Dogs Trust, with rehoming centres in Cardiff and Bridgend, has seen the number of people in Wales surrendering their dogs due to accommodation issues rise by nearly a third in 2024.

Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, commented:
“We are pleased to see the issue of pet-friendly housing continue to be discussed in the Senedd. Recognising the importance of pet-friendly housing is a huge step and acknowledges that the shortage of such housing is profoundly affecting both pet owners and the pet welfare sector.

“Dogs Trust has campaigned on this issue for many years. We believe the joy of pet ownership should not be exclusive to homeowners but should also be accessible to private and social renters.

“We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to turn the Committee’s recommendations into meaningful change, ensuring more pets and their owners have a place to call home.”

While nearly half of all Welsh households share their homes with pets and a third own a dog, research by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection reveals that only 8% of rental properties in Wales are advertised as pet-friendly.

Additionally, the research found that landlords are often divided on allowing pets, with 46% permitting them. However, in more than a third of cases where pets were disallowed, the decision was based on standard templates or advice, rather than individual circumstances.

The benefits of pet-friendly policies extend beyond tenants. Allowing pets could increase tenant retention, with 26% of renters saying they would stay longer in a property if pets were allowed.

Dogs Trust has championed the cause of pet-friendly rentals through its ‘Lets with Pets’ scheme for over a decade, offering guidance to landlords, tenants, and letting agencies. For tips on finding or offering pet-friendly accommodation, visit www.letswithpets.org.uk.

Charity

RNLI on the lookout for new beach lifesavers in Pembrokeshire

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LOCALLY, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is seeking budding lifeguards to launch their lifesaving careers on some of Wales’ most popular beaches.

The RNLI are recruiting beach lifesavers ahead of the 2025 season. Recruitment for this season’s lifeguard team has started nationally in preparation for providing local authorities and landowners with the service they request to keep beachgoers safe this summer. Recruitment is still open for positions in North Pembrokeshire.

The charity’s lifeguards not only rescue those in difficulty in the water, they also provide vital beach first-aid and safety advice to ensure visitors can return home safely. In 2023, RNLI lifeguards in West Wales provided patrols and responded to more than 753 incidents, helping more than 1,148 people in need, saving seven lives.

Last summer, lifeguards rescued stricken swimmers from powerful rip currents, saved children being blown offshore in inflatables, came to the aid of paddleboarders and gave lifesaving CPR on beaches among the thousands of incidents they attended.

Successful applicants will receive world-class lifesaving training, enjoy good rates of pay, the possibility of flexible working patterns and develop valuable skills for a future career.

Stuart Penfold Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire said:

‘Being a beach lifeguard is great. Although the job can be very challenging at times, you get the chance to work alongside some incredible people, receive great training, be outdoors and most importantly, make a real difference to people’s lives.

‘The role is well suited to outgoing individuals, confident swimmers and those who are passionate about helping people. This year our lifeguard team will be patrolling Poppit Sands, Newport Sands, Whitesands, Newgale, Nolton Haven and Broad Haven.’

‘To apply to join North Pembrokeshire’s Lifeguard Team visit: Lifeguards: Haverfordwest North – Poppit Sands to Broadhaven

Lee Fisher, Lifeguard Experience Manager said: ‘Beach lifeguarding is a great opportunity and a very rewarding role that changes lives – including your own – all whilst enjoying the beach as your office.

‘Our lifeguards range from teenagers all the way up to lifesavers in their 70s, as long as you meet the fitness requirements and you are over 16 years old, there could be a role for you.

‘The job also has great paths for progression – we have lifeguards who have been working for the RNLI for years, both on the beach and as part of our support teams, and the skills you gain can make an ideal first step towards many careers. It’s a great opportunity whether you want a rewarding summer job or to pursue a career in lifesaving.’

To find lifeguard vacancies in your area visit: Find a job (rnli.org)

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Charity

Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

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THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.

Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.

Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.

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Charity

Veterans rally to repair storm damage in Milford Haven

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MILFORD HAVEN’S VC Gallery veterans have stepped up to restore a woodland area hit hard by recent high winds.

The Woodlands in Milford suffered significant damage, with fallen trees crashing onto a farmer’s fence, endangering livestock and damaging the enclosure.

In response, a team of veterans, including trustee Mark Shuttleworth, Simon, Steve, and volunteer of the year Donna Evans, was deployed to clear the trees and rebuild the fencing.

The Woodlands project, run by VC Gallery, offers opportunities for people to connect with nature while learning about biodiversity and conservation.

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