Community

Wales leads the pack in fight for better dog welfare

Published

6 months ago

June 25, 2025

Rehoming centre reforms and greyhound ban hailed by Dogs Trust

THIS WEEK we have pawsitive news for animal lovers across Wales, as the Welsh Government announces major reforms to the dog welfare sector — including long-awaited regulation for rehoming centres and firm steps toward a ban on greyhound racing.

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, has praised the moves as “a significant and long-overdue step forward,” saying they will bring vital protections for thousands of animals.

No more unregulated ‘rescues’

Until now, anyone in Wales could set up a rehoming centre — even without proper training, facilities or experience. This lack of oversight has led to heartbreaking cases where animals suffered neglect or abuse under the care of self-styled “sanctuaries” that weren’t up to the job.

Dogs Trust has long called for proper licensing, warning that good intentions alone aren’t enough to ensure safety for dogs. With over 80% of people in a recent consultation agreeing that regulation is needed, the Welsh Government is now planning a phased introduction of national standards.

Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, said: “Whilst many excellent rescue centres are doing vital work, the lack of licensing means that anyone, regardless of knowledge or intent, can set up a centre and potentially cause serious harm. We need robust legislation to ensure every rescue dog is safe, well cared for, and treated with the respect they deserve.”

The charity, which operates rehoming centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, says these changes will provide long-overdue safeguards and help rebuild public trust.

Greyhound racing to be banned

The Welsh Government has also confirmed it will bring forward legislation this autumn to ban greyhound racing in Wales. An Implementation Group will support the transition and ensure dogs currently involved in racing are protected and rehomed appropriately.

Dogs Trust, which is part of the Cut the Chase Coalition alongside Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and RSPCA Cymru, welcomed the announcement. The group has campaigned against racing for years, citing preventable injuries, poor welfare, and a lack of transparency in the industry.

Since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or been euthanised as a result of their involvement in racing across the UK — a statistic Dogs Trust expects to worsen when this year’s figures are released.

“There are serious welfare concerns for greyhounds throughout their lives — from poor kennel conditions to inadequate nutrition and healthcare,” said Calder. “We commend the Senedd for its leadership and urge the rest of the UK to follow Wales’s example.”

A brighter future for Welsh dogs

Dogs Trust currently cares for around 13,000 dogs each year across its 21 rehoming centres in the UK and Ireland. The charity has a non-destruction policy and never puts a healthy dog to sleep.

As Wales pushes ahead with these reforms, campaigners hope the changes will lead to a safer, kinder future for animals — not just here, but across the UK.

Pictured above: A happy hound rehomed by Dogs Trust after months in care (Pic: Dogs Trust)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

7 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

7 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).