News
Thousands of animals rescued by RSPCA
RSPCA CYMRU is shining the spotlight on the ‘three R’s’ of its work: rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming for RSPCA Week (Monday June 1 – Sunday June 7).
Whether it is 17 dumped degus, a seal pup in need of rehabilitation or a sheep stuck in a bog – no animal is too big or small for the RSPCA.
In 2014 a total of 8,537 animals were rescued by the RSPCA in Wales. Some of these included 654 dogs, 2,714 cats, 380 rabbits, 343 hedgehogs, 219 chickens, 133 ferrets, 136 sheep, 151 reptiles and 26 goldfish.
RSPCA inspectors and officers in Wales also dealt with many unusual animals and birds, they included: two Amazon parrots, three boa constrictors, one lovebird, seven peacocks, one Chinese water dragon, three slow worms, 136 jackdaws, six yellow necked mice, one puffin, three red kites, three tarantulas and five European polecats.
RSPCA Cymru superintendent Martyn Hubbard said: “The RSPCA works around the clock to rescue thousands of animals every year from a wide range of distressing situations and 2014 was no exception. From abandoned kittens in a suitcase to a Chinese water dragon and everything in between, the RSPCA was on hand to help all types of animals whatever the emergency. Sadly many of the animals we rescued last year were callously abandoned. It is an offence to abandon any animal and there is never any excuse for doing so. If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available from the RSPCA.”
This RSPCA Week we are calling on people to get involved and show their support and raise money to help even more animals in need. Please visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/ getinvolved/rspcaweek.
Also as part of RSPCA Week, RSPCA Cymru will be holding its first ever school debate ‘Animal Welfare: The Great Debate’ at Siambr Hywel at the National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay. The event will include six secondary schools who will be discussing ‘Whose responsibility is animal welfare’ and a guest panel of experts who will be taking part in a ‘Question Time’ session.
RSPCA Cymru is also launching an Annual Summary for Wales 2014 on Monday [1 June] which will be available at www.rspca.cymru.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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