Community

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

Published

11 months ago

March 15, 2025

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.

Community

Milford Haven community mourns loss of dedicated volunteer Robert Duncan

Published

20 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes paid to former RBL chairman and Citizens’ Award recipient

MILFORD HAVEN has been left saddened by the death of Robert Duncan, a well-known and much-respected community figure who devoted decades of his life to voluntary service.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was “so sorry to learn of the passing” of Mr Duncan, describing him as a dear friend to many and a man whose generosity touched countless lives.

Mr Duncan served as Chairman of the Milford Haven branch of the Royal British Legion and was widely recognised for his tireless work supporting veterans and local causes. Alongside his wife Carol, he received a Citizens’ Award in 2016 in recognition of their years of voluntary service to the town.

The couple also fostered children for many years, opening their home to young people in need and providing stability and care to families across the area.

Beyond his work with the Legion, Mr Duncan was involved with the local R.A.O.B. lodge and Milford Haven Museum, contributing time and energy to preserve the town’s history and strengthen community life.

In a statement, the Town Council said: “Robert was a wonderful family man and a most dedicated public servant. So many of us will have stories of his generosity and community activities that we would like to share. Thank you for everything, Robert. We will truly miss you.”

Councillors added that his quiet commitment and willingness to help others made him a familiar and trusted figure across Milford Haven.

Sympathies have been extended to Carol and the wider family, as well as friends and colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.

Those who knew him say his legacy will live on in the many lives he helped shape and the strong sense of community he worked so hard to build.

Photo caption: Robert Duncan and his wife Carol receive a Citizens’ Award in 2016 alongside the Mayor of Milford Haven (Pic: Milford Haven Town Council).

Community

Fishguard juniors host friendly chess clash with Pembrokeshire youngsters

Published

20 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG players from Pembrokeshire and Fishguard enjoyed an evening of friendly competition and learning as Fishguard Junior Chess Club welcomed Pembrokeshire Chess Club Juniors for a lively inter-club match.

Fourteen juniors took part in a series of games, gaining valuable experience across the boards while putting their developing skills into practice. Coaches from both sides said it was encouraging to see not only improving tactics and confidence, but also the traditional etiquette of the game on full display.

Handshakes, quiet concentration and respectful play summed up the night, with sportsmanship praised as highly as the results.

While everyone enjoys winning, organisers stressed that chess is also about patience, discipline and respect — qualities that serve players well both at the board and beyond.

One standout performance came from Pembrokeshire captain and board one Harry Harling, who secured two impressive results against an opponent around 150 grading points higher and several years his senior.

Growing numbers

The club continues to go from strength to strength, with ten new junior members joining in recent weeks. That brings total junior membership to 25, prompting sessions to be split into two groups to ensure coaching can be tailored to different ages and abilities.

Plans are already in place for Fishguard to make a return visit to the Pembrokeshire club’s Steynton headquarters, giving those who missed out this time a chance to take part.

The wider aim, organisers say, is simple: to grow junior chess locally and give as many young people as possible the opportunity to play competitively.

That philosophy is already bearing fruit, with under-11 Henry Burton recently stepping up to represent the adult side on board one — an opportunity he is said to be relishing.

What’s next

Attention now turns to the half-term trip to Llanelli on February 18 for a return fixture against White Knights, with thanks given to Jason Garcia for organising the match.

There is also talk of arranging games against the newly formed Haverfordwest Chess Club, with both senior and junior players expected to take part, ensuring newcomers and experienced competitors alike get time at the table.

The club also congratulated friends at Redhill High School for fielding three teams at the Welsh Secondary Schools Championship, where they competed with distinction.

With more fixtures in the diary and growing enthusiasm among young players, junior chess in Pembrokeshire looks to be firmly on the move.

Community

Community exhibition showcases ateb customers’ creativity at Torch Theatre

Published

21 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW pop-up exhibition celebrating local history, identity and creativity is set to open at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, showcasing artwork created by customers and partners of ateb Housing Association.

The free exhibition brings together a year’s worth of creative work produced through the Wales REACH project, which encourages participants to explore Pembrokeshire’s heritage while building confidence, skills and social connections.

Through workshops, visits and shared activities, residents have developed a varied collection of personal and community-focused pieces reflecting their own experiences and the stories of the county.

Among the featured works is Museum in a Bag, a reflective look at identity and self; REACH for the Landsker Line, which examines Pembrokeshire’s cultural divide through Norman castles and the Welsh language; and REACH Back in Time, a textile sculpture inspired by the history of Milford Haven.

An interactive scroll will also be on display, inviting visitors to add their own memories and reflections, alongside an oral history recorded by an ateb customer and disability rights advocate, offering a powerful first-hand account of life and resilience.

Organisers say the project has had clear benefits beyond the artwork itself.

Rex, an ateb customer who took part, said: “I have enjoyed the planned sessions – being able to get out and about and take part in the activities where possible. I also enjoyed the social aspect, mixing with other residents, sharing our local knowledge of the area and learning new facts.”

Another participant, Joan, added: “It has revived my school-level love of history. I am loving all the given work with interest.”

Project Officer Anne Kerr-Hughes said she had seen noticeable improvements in wellbeing and confidence.

She said: “We’ve noticed so many positive changes – from people trying new things and learning new skills to gaining the confidence to travel independently. One lovely outcome has been more residents using the local bus service after trips to the archives in Haverfordwest. It’s been heart-warming to see.”

The Wales REACH project has been supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with partners including Open University in Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and People’s Collection Wales.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, with visitors welcome to drop in during opening hours.