Community

RSPCA spotlight on animal welfare

Published

10 years ago

December 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Snapshot: The Animal Welfare and Food Indicators reports on some of the most important farm animal welfare issues

THE MAJORITY of consumers think that the welfare standards of animals reared for food is important in their purchasing decisions, a new report from RSPCA Cymru has highlighted. RSPCA Cymru has brought together for the first time a collection of indicators that provide an insight into the welfare issues surrounding animals that are reared for food in Wales.

The Animal Welfare and Food Indicators report provides a snapshot of some of the most important farm animal welfare issues, including food labelling, non-stun slaughter, public sector procurement and live transport. The report intends not only to benchmark and demonstrate ‘where we are’ with animal welfare in food production in Wales, but also makes a series of recommendations with the aim of improving the lives of farm animals in Wales. In recent years, it is clear there has been growing concern in society regarding the treatment of animals in our food chain.

New polling from RSPCA Cymru found that a massive 80 percent of Welsh adults said the welfare standards of the animals reared is important in their purchasing decisions. Of those polled, 74% recognised at least one of the four main labelling schemes in Wales which self-define as providing higher welfare food, including the RSPCA’s Freedom Food scheme. RSPCA Cymru Head of External Affairs, Claire Lawson, said: “Increasingly, consumers want detailed information concerning how their food was produced.

Many people in Wales consciously seek to tailor their shopping habits with the aim of buying higher welfare products. Better labelling, however, is vital to ensure people have the information they need to make an informed choice, and can purchase food that meets higher welfare standards. RSPCA Cymru believes ‘Method of Production’ labelling should be introduced for all meat and dairy products.

This would place an emphasis on retailers to stock produce desired by their consumers.” The report calls for an end to nonstun slaughter and more than 2,300 people have already signed the charity’s petition in Wales, backed by the British Veterinary Association, urging an end to it. Current law in Wales requires animals to be stunned before slaughter, but exemptions exist for certain communities.

Expert opinion outlines how non-stun slaughter compromises animal welfare, and RSPCA Cymru believes the Welsh Government should therefore end existing exemptions. The charity also believes that the Welsh Government should introduce a requirement for all abattoirs in Wales to implement CCTV systems, to provide assurance and protect animals and staff.

As of 2011, there were 23 abattoirs operating in Wales. According to the Food Standards Agency, only 17 percent of these had CCTV in the stunning or bleeding areas. According to RSPCA Cymru’s poll, a massive 82 percent of the public in Wales support the introduction of CCTV in all slaughterhouses, and 80 percent of those polled support an end to non-stun slaughter, with 59% strongly in favour of this move.

RSPCA Cymru also recommends that the collective aim for the Welsh Government, producers, campaigners and the public should be to keep all live transportation to a minimum and, indeed, to cease all long-distance transport of live animals in favour of a ‘carcase-only’ trade. The report also explores the issue of public sector procurement and recommends that the Welsh Government should seek to mirror the National Assembly for Wales, which in September 2010 switched its procurement of egg and salmon products wholly to Freedom Food approved sources.

Rebecca Evans, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, said: “I welcome the publication of this new report from RSPCA Cymru, and am grateful for the work that they do alongside our farming communities, local authorities, and others, in the interests of farm animal welfare. The Animal Welfare and Food Indicators report clearly demonstrates that the people of Wales attach great importance to animal welfare standards when purchasing food.

In July, I was delighted to launch the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework which sets out how the Welsh Government, the farming industry, and others, must work to deliver on our vision of continuing and lasting improvements in standards of animal health and welfare for kept animals, while also helping to protect public health and making a contribution to the economy and the environment. I look forward to continuing to work with the RSPCA and others in the interests of animal welfare in food production.”

Community

Calls to lower speed limit on A487 Fishguard-St Davids road

Published

11 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SENIOR councillors are being asked to look at lowering the speed limit through a north Pembrokeshire village which has been described as “a serious safety concern for the community”.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, meeting on November 15, considered a petition, entitled Reduce the Speed Limit at Square and Compass, calling for a reduction of the current 50mph limit on that section of the A487 Fishguard to St Davids road.

The petition, which attracted 127 signatures on the council’s own website, and a further 152 signatures on paper, was started by Emma Tannahill, who hopes the speed will be lowered to 40mph.

It read: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to reduce the current speed limit of 50 miles per hour on the main road (A487) through Square and Compass as it is a serious safety concern for the community. This road is home to many families with young children.

“A school bus from Croes Goch Primary School has a drop-off point on this stretch of road which further exacerbates the risk of accidents. In addition, there are young families that cycle to and from Croes Goch primary school along this road.

“This section of road also serves as a thoroughfare for traffic to and from Croes Goch petrol station and Torbant caravan-site. Both of which see a high volume of traffic and pedestrian activity. The high speeds of traffic on the main road is a risk to those coming in and out of these sites.

“In addition to the petrol station and caravan-site there is also a pub and public bus stop, both of which are adjacent to this 50 mile per hour section of road. Reducing the speed limit would significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclist.”

At the meeting, committee chair Mark Carter said he had driven through the area after the petition was received, feeling it was “bizarre” it should have a 50mph limit when similar stretches of road in other villages had 40mph and even 20mph limits.

Members heard a lot of technical assessments on potential changes had already been undertaken, along with many other locations, with a likely proposal for a reduction to 40mph at Square and Compass.

Members agreed to note the petition, asking Cabinet members to look at making changes as appropriate.

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

1 day ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.

Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.