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RSPCA Cymru reflects on a challenging and pivotal year for animal welfare in Wales

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RSPCA CYMRU has looked back on a demanding year for animal welfare in Wales, marked by rising abandonment and neglect cases alongside major political and legislative developments.

For more than 200 years, the RSPCA has worked to bring animals to safety, and 2025 proved to be another relentless year for frontline officers, inspectors, volunteers and animal centres across Wales.

From emergency rescues and welfare investigations to rehabilitation and rehoming, teams across the country responded to an unrelenting demand for help, with animal welfare charities warning of a growing crisis.

One significant development during the year was progress made in the Senedd towards a ban on greyhound racing in Wales. The RSPCA, alongside its Cut the Chase coalition partners, says it will continue to work with Members of the Senedd as the proposed legislation moves forward in 2026.

With the Senedd election also approaching in May 2026, the charity says the coming year will be critical. RSPCA Cymru is seeking to influence political party manifestos to ensure animal welfare commitments remain firmly on the agenda.

Wales leads UK in animal compassion

Despite the challenges, new data published in 2025 showed Wales leading the UK in public concern for animals.

The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index found that 75 per cent of people in Wales describe themselves as animal lovers — the highest proportion of any UK nation. This compares with 72 per cent in Scotland, 70 per cent in England, and 69 per cent in Northern Ireland.

However, the charity says this compassion is being tested. Reports of animal abandonment in Wales rose by 12.5 per cent during the first ten months of 2025, while neglect reports increased by 14 per cent over the same period.

On Wednesday (Jan 1), the RSPCA also revealed that more than 634,000 people visited its website during 2025 to report animal welfare concerns across England and Wales. During the Christmas period alone, between December 24 and 29, there were 7,279 visits.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Every single day throughout the year, our teams rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of animals with very special backgrounds and stories of triumph over adversity.

“With the New Year upon us, we’re proud to showcase how animal lovers in Wales have supported us to help so many animals survive in so many situations.

“For more than 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve — but we can’t do that without public support. If you care about animals, it’s time to turn that care into action.”

Rescues that defined 2025

Among the many rescues carried out across Wales during the year was the dramatic rescue of a thrush found entangled 40 feet up a tree near Pontypool.

The bird had wire wrapped tightly around its leg and was unable to free itself. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan worked alongside South Wales Fire & Rescue Service to reach the bird using specialist equipment. After veterinary treatment and a night of rest, the thrush was released back into the wild.

A representative from Monmouthshire Housing Association said staff were “thrilled” to see the bird released safely, describing the moment as “heartwarming” as it reunited with another thrush nearby.

In Merthyr Tydfil, a severely underweight 12-week-old Patterdale Terrier puppy was found in Dowlais in June. Weighing just 900 grams and suffering from rickets, mobility problems and a docked tail, the pup was taken for urgent veterinary care.

RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper said the puppy — later named Audrey — made a full recovery and has since been rehomed. She said: “After being so small we feared for the worst, but it is wonderful she is doing so well.”

Elsewhere, a badger was rescued after falling four feet down an open manhole near the former Colwyn Bay Civic Office in November. RSPCA Inspector Louise Showering worked with the Clwyd Badger Group to safely remove the animal, which ran off unharmed. The manhole was later secured by the council.

In Caerphilly, a tawny owl was rescued after becoming tangled by its wing in branches above fast-flowing water in Bedwas. The bird was freed with the help of South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, treated by a vet, and later released back into the wild.

One of the most unusual cases involved a puffin named Oona, discovered 110 miles inland in a Herefordshire garden. After specialist rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre, Oona was returned to West Wales and released back into the sea.

Public urged to act quickly

The RSPCA says early intervention can save lives and is urging members of the public to help trapped animals where it is safe to do so, using guidance available on the charity’s website.

Anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare is advised to report it via the RSPCA’s online reporting system.

More information on the charity’s Big Give Back to Animals appeal can be found on the RSPCA website.

 

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

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Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

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Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

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PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

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Community

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

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MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

 

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