News
Greyhound racing to be banned as Welsh Govt outlines new animal welfare plans
Phased regulation model to improve standards across Wales
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed it will introduce legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen animal welfare regulation across the country.
In a written statement issued this week (Wed, June 25), Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said the Government is moving forward with the ban following public consultation.
An Implementation Group will now be established to manage the transition, with the aim of safeguarding the welfare of racing dogs and supporting communities affected by the ban. Legislation to enact the ban will be introduced in the autumn.
The ban forms part of a wider plan to roll out a phased, national regulatory model for animal welfare establishments, activities and exhibits. The first phase will focus on regulating animal welfare establishments such as rescues, sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres and rehoming facilities. These proposals respond to what the Government called “clear feedback” from the consultation, highlighting the need for consistent and enforceable standards across the sector.
In the second phase, the Welsh Government will consider bringing pet grooming under the national model. This activity, which is currently unregulated, is estimated to involve more than 500 groomers across Wales.
Other activities and animal exhibits may also be regulated in future, although the Government said it would continue to monitor these areas and gather evidence before taking action. While views on animal exhibits were mixed, officials say the door remains open for future reform or prohibition.
Effective enforcement will remain a key focus of the reforms. Funding for the local authority-led project Animal Licensing Wales has been extended, allowing it to continue its award-winning work to uphold standards and tackle malpractice.
Mr Irranca-Davies said: “These steps mark a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to improve animal welfare in Wales. Our national model, backed by effective enforcement, will help deliver real and lasting change for animals across the country.”
Crime
Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub
Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).
An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.
Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).
The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
- Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.
Local Government
Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event
THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.
The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.
Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.
The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.
Crime
Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers
A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been jailed for three years and six months.
Alexander Campbell was sentenced on Wednesday (Dec 16) at Swansea Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that Campbell had been in a relationship with his partner, Miss Cox, for six years. On the night of the offence, he returned home highly intoxicated and became argumentative.

Prosecutor Rieve Nesbitt-Marr told the court that Miss Cox advised Campbell to go upstairs and sleep off the alcohol. Instead, he began poking her and told her not to tell him what to do.
Campbell then launched what Miss Cox described as “a flurry of punches that rained down on her.”
Neighbours contacted police after hearing the disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a smashed bowl on the floor and Miss Cox lying on the sofa under a blanket, covering her face.
Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Campbell threatening officers, telling them: “I will turn this place into a f***ing murder scene.”
As officers attempted to separate the parties, PC Thomas placed her arm out to create distance. Campbell grabbed her wrist with force, an assault captured on body-worn video.
He then attacked PC Jones, climbing on top of him and punching him repeatedly, again recorded on police body-worn footage.
PC Thomas later attended Withybush Hospital, where she received four stitches under local anaesthetic. Miss Cox suffered severe facial bruising, with one eye swollen almost shut.
The court was told that Miss Cox’s ten-year-old daughter was upstairs at the property during the incident.
Campbell has 27 previous offences. In mitigation, the court heard that he accepted alcohol turned him into a different person, telling the court: “I’m an ugly person when I drink. I’m a different person when I’m sober.”
Sentencing Campbell, the judge said he knew better than anyone how alcohol affected him.
“You came home in a bad mood and almost predictively, you assaulted her,” the judge said.
“The noise and aggression was such that the neighbour called the police.”
“You gave her a bruise on her face that can only be described as a large shiner.”
“In short, you have injured three people. Your conduct was utterly pathetic, like an overgrown child.”
The judge also referred to Campbell’s violent history, describing him as a “cowardly bully.”
While acknowledging that Campbell had previously complied well with a suspended sentence after removing his own alcohol tag, the judge said custody was unavoidable.
Campbell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
Warning him about his future, the judge added: “If you carry on with this behaviour you will spend a lifetime in prison. The only person who can change this is you.”
The court also granted a restraining order for five years.
-
News3 days agoDyfed-Powys Police launch major investigation after triple fatal crash
-
Crime2 days agoMan sent to Crown Court over historic indecent assault allegations
-
Crime7 days agoMotorist banned for three years after driving with cannabis in system
-
Crime4 days agoMan spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven
-
Education6 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body
-
Crime2 days agoMilford Haven man admits multiple offences after A477 incident
-
Crime1 day agoWoman ‘terrified in own home’ after ex breaches court order
-
Crime1 day agoRape allegation investigated at Saundersfoot nightclub






