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.

Dyfed-Powys Police detain London man following complaints of threatening phone calls

A MAN from London was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police on Tuesday (Dec 30) as he travelled into west Wales, following allegations that threats had been made against the editor of The Pembrokeshire Herald and his family.

Police confirmed that the arrest was linked to a series of telephone calls allegedly directed at Tom Sinclair, editor of the Herald, which were reported to officers.

The man was detained as part of a proactive police operation and was held overnight while enquiries were carried out.

It is understood that he has since been released on police bail while investigations continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not released further details at this stage.

The Herald understands that safeguarding measures were put in place following the reports, and that the matter remains under active investigation.

THE LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, has said the New Year offers Wales an opportunity for “real change” as the countdown begins to the Senedd elections in May 2026.

In a New Year message, Mr Millar said voters were “crying out for new leadership” after more than twenty-five years of Labour-led government in Wales.

“With Senedd elections just around the corner, Wales needs leadership that gives people hope for the future,” he said. “The Welsh Conservatives offer that alternative.”

Mr Millar said his party had spent the past year setting out what he described as an “ambitious and credible plan” to fix Wales, including cutting taxes, scrapping Stamp Duty, reducing waste in government, investing in public services, and improving economic participation.

He criticised Labour’s record in government, claiming it had failed Wales with the support of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats, and dismissed Reform UK as lacking credible solutions to the challenges facing the country.

“Wales does not need more of the same from Labour, Plaid or the Lib Dems,” he said. “We need a radical new approach that understands what is required to make Wales the prosperous land of opportunity it should always have been.”

Mr Millar said his vision for Wales included a stronger economy, an NHS and education system that “works properly,” and a country where farmers, families and businesses are able to thrive.

Concluding his message, he said: “As we approach 2026, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very happy and prosperous New Year. Wales should not miss the opportunity to fix what has gone wrong.”

The Senedd election is scheduled to take place in May 2026.