News

Orphaned otter cub a ‘real little fighter’

Published

11 years ago

January 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Star: He was in such a bad way, he wasn’t expected to survive.

THIS orphaned otter cub was found at the side of a road near a village called Star, near Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire. A member of the public found him on Thursday (Jan 8) and thought he was dead but on closer inspection saw him breathing. She took him home and placed him in a box wrapped up in towels on the floor that had underfloor heating.

RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West said when she arrived the eight week old otter was cold and extremely weak and wet from the bad weather the night before. She said: “The caller kindly filled my hot water bottle for him and I travelled him back to my home where I set him up in a heated cage. “He was started on antibiotics by a vet as he had pneumonia and I gave him injections of fluids under the skin to try and hydrate him as at that time he was far too weak to swallow fluids properly.”

Ellie said he was in such a bad way she didn’t expect him to survive – but luckily his condition started to improve. She continued: “After a few hours he was much warmer and comfortable and he actually suckled rehydration fluids from a syringe with a teat readily. “At 2am when I fed him he was already like a different cub, livelier and looking happier. “The next morning I managed to get him to take some milk replacement with the rehydration fluids too and then I transported him to the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre to carry on his rehabilitation. “I couldn’t believe the change in him in less than 24 hours. He is a real little fighter bless him.”

Ellie, who named the cub Star, said he will now continue his recovery at West Hatch before being sent to a specialist facility for otter cubs where he will remain until he is old enough to fend for himself in the wild. This otter cub had somehow become separated from his mother and could have died without intervention. However, the RSPCA would like to remind people that before touching any baby wild animal, we always advise monitoring first to check that it is genuinely orphaned or abandoned, as mum is often nearby and waiting for you to leave. If you are concerned for the welfare of a young wild animal that seems to be alone, please watch from a distance and call the RSPCA’s Cruelty & Advice line on 0300 1234 999.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.