Charity

Many Tears Animal Rescue visited by inspectors as police attend in support role

Published

3 months ago

March 12, 2026

Licensing authorities yet to explain purpose of visit at one of the UK’s largest dog rescues

INSPECTORS have visited the premises of one of the UK’s largest dog rescue organisations, with police attending in a supporting capacity during the operation.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were present at Many Tears Animal Rescue in Carmarthenshire on Tuesday (Mar 10) but stressed that their role was limited to preventing any breach of the peace.

The force said the visit took place without any need for police intervention, and directed enquiries about the purpose of the visit to Animal Licensing Wales, which oversees animal establishment licensing across Wales.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Officers attended the premises in a supporting capacity only, to prevent any breach of the peace. The visit took place without any need of police involvement or intervention.”

The police statement indicates that the visit itself was led by another agency rather than being a police investigation.

The RSPCA Cymru has also confirmed it was not involved in the visit.

An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said: “The RSPCA did not attend this premises on March 10 so did not participate in any visit that took place.”

Many Tears Animal Rescue, based near Llanelli, is one of the largest dog rescue charities operating in the UK, rehoming thousands of animals each year and receiving dogs from a range of sources including commercial breeding establishments and other rescues.

Sources have told The Herald that investigators attended the site earlier this week, though the purpose and scope of the visit has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald has contacted Animal Licensing Wales, which administers animal establishment licensing under Welsh Government regulations, to clarify whether the visit formed part of a routine inspection, a complaint-led investigation, or an enforcement action.

At the time of publication, the organisation had not yet responded.

The Herald has also approached Many Tears Animal Rescue for comment.

Animal Licensing Wales operates under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021, which require organisations involved in activities such as animal boarding, breeding, and rehoming to meet strict standards relating to welfare, veterinary care, record-keeping, and the management of animals on site.

Any inspection or enforcement action carried out under the regulations can result in improvement notices, licence conditions being altered, or in serious cases the suspension or revocation of a licence.

It remains unclear whether the visit to the Carmarthenshire rescue was part of a routine regulatory inspection or a response to specific concerns.

The Herald will update this story when further information becomes available.

Charity

Busy Saturday for VC Gallery as veterans, families and pupils rally behind charity

Published

14 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community spirit shines across Haverfordwest with museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and school sleep-out

THE VC GALLERY enjoyed one of its busiest Saturdays of the year as staff, volunteers, veterans and supporters spread across Haverfordwest for a packed day of community events.

From military artefacts at Pembrokeshire College to a riverside art exhibition, a veterans’ breakfast and a charity sleep-out involving local pupils, the veteran-led charity was at the centre of activity across the county town.

At Pembrokeshire College, the charity’s popular “Speak to a Veteran” initiative proved a success, with the VC mobile museum drawing attention from students and visitors alike. A range of military artefacts on display sparked conversations and helped veterans share stories and experiences with members of the public.

Meanwhile, the Pembrokeshire Veterans Breakfast at Waldo Lounge saw the VC minibus deployed to help bring people together, with staff at the restaurant praised for making attendees feel welcome.

The charity thanked Myles for driving and Gareth for helping organise the event.

On the riverside in Haverfordwest, the VC Gallery showcased artwork at its new gallery space, where RAF veteran Mark hosted members of the public throughout the day.

Back at Waldo Lounge, Charles, Donna, Phil, Rose, Lucy, Nia and the wider VC team kept busy with duck sales and jewellery workshops as families gathered for the afternoon activities. Pembrokeshire’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Hayley, was also among those lending support.

As day turned to night, pupils from Haverfordwest High VC School took part in a sponsored sleep-out to raise money for the charity, hearing first-hand about homelessness from veteran Pete.

The event saw pupils spending the night outdoors alongside former military personnel to better understand the realities faced by some ex-service men and women.

The day also included the Waldo duck race on the river, helping round off what the charity described as “an amazing community” effort.

Photo caption: Busy day: VC Gallery teams, veterans and supporters took part in events across Haverfordwest on Saturday, including museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and a charity sleep-out (Pic: VC Gallery).

Charity

Family’s £570 donation in memory of devoted RNLI supporter

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of the late Gerald Hartry, of Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, have donated £570 to the RNLI in his memory.

Gerald was a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and had a particular affection for Tenby Lifeboat Station, which he visited many times over the past 40 years while staying at the family’s caravan near Narberth.

Relatives recently visited the station to present the cheque to the crew.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said it was a pleasure to welcome the family and thanked them for their generous donation.

Pictured, from left, are members of Gerald’s family with Tenby Lifeboat Operations Manager Carl Evans.

Charity

Henry Tufnell visits St Davids RNLI lifeboat station

Published

3 days ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MP pledges to raise funding and regulation concerns after meeting volunteer crew at St Justinian

HENRY TUFNELL MP has visited St Davids RNLI lifeboat station to hear first-hand about the work of its volunteer crew.

The Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP met crew members at St Justinian, where he was briefed on some of the rescue missions carried out by the station off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Mr Tufnell said the visit had highlighted both the dedication of the lifeboat crew and the pressures facing the service.

He said: “It was a privilege to visit the RNLI St Davids Lifeboat at St Justinian and hear first-hand about some of the remarkable rescue missions the crew have undertaken.

“They do extraordinary work keeping our community safe.”

Mr Tufnell added that crew members had also raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including funding and regulation.

He said: “It was also important to hear about the ongoing challenges they face, particularly regarding funding and regulation.

“As your MP, I will continue to champion and protect the interests of our community heroes in Westminster.”

The RNLI station at St Davids is one of Pembrokeshire’s key coastal rescue bases, serving a busy and often challenging stretch of coastline popular with walkers, kayakers, boat users and visitors.

The charity relies on volunteer crews and public support to continue its lifesaving work.