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Thousands of animals rescued by RSPCA

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Released: The seals had been in RSPCA care after they were rescued from Freshwater West.

Released: The seals had been in RSPCA care after they were rescued from Freshwater West.

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.

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Charity

Contacts to NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse reach record levels

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THE NSPCC Helpline handled a record 7,825 contacts from adults concerned about domestic abuse affecting children last year, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.

Figures released by the charity show this is the highest annual number since the Helpline began specifically tracking domestic abuse concerns in 2021/22. On average, 21 adults contacted the service daily between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.

Notably, there was a significant 29% rise in concerns relating to coercive and controlling behaviour compared to the previous year, alongside a 24% increase in reports of emotional abuse.

A third of these contacts resulted in referrals to local agencies, including police and children’s social services, ensuring immediate intervention and support for affected children.

Adults who contacted the NSPCC expressed worries about various forms of domestic abuse, including physical violence, coercive control, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and financial abuse.

One grandparent who reached out to the Helpline described deep concerns for her grandchildren’s safety due to their step-father’s aggressive and threatening behaviour, reflecting the complex nature of domestic abuse situations.

Jess, from Wales, who experienced years of domestic abuse from her biological father, emphasised the severe, long-term impact such abuse can have on mental health and wellbeing. She urged individuals to speak up and seek help early, stating, “Contacting the Helpline could be the first step in helping turn a young person’s life around.”

Paddi Vint, Development and Quality Manager at NSPCC’s Domestic Abuse Practice Advisor Team, said: “The surge in contacts to our Helpline about domestic abuse is alarming, particularly as we’ve recorded the highest annual total since tracking began. It is crucial everyone recognises the signs of domestic abuse, particularly coercive control, which is increasingly common. Quick action and collective vigilance can significantly help protect children at risk.”

Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children experiencing issues can reach Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.

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Crime

Domestic abuse a ‘public health emergency’, say campaigners

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Report finds NHS training ‘inconsistent’ as victims fall through the cracks

DOMESTIC abuse should be treated as a public health emergency, a leading charity has warned, after a new report exposed widespread failings by the NHS in identifying and supporting victims.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, more than 12 million people in England and Wales—around one in four adults—have experienced domestic abuse. The charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Stada) says that, despite frequent contact with both victims and perpetrators, NHS staff are often ill-equipped to intervene.

Stada reviewed domestic homicide and suicide cases published during 2024 and found that in 9 out of 10 cases, the NHS had failed in its safeguarding duties. The most common failing was a lack of proper training for staff on recognising signs of abuse.

Although national guidance recommends mandatory training for frontline NHS staff, the report found that provision remains patchy and inconsistent across services. Failures to record risk properly, share information between agencies, and link victims with mental health or alcohol support services were also highlighted.

The warning comes as a separate study in The Lancet found that more than one in four women who died by suicide and were under secondary mental health care had previously suffered domestic abuse.

Cherryl Henry-Leach, chief executive of Stada, said: “Treating domestic abuse purely as a criminal justice issue costs lives. The NHS is uniquely placed to help, but it must be properly resourced and trained to do so.”

The report urges the government to fund standardised training and improve data sharing. Without urgent reforms, Stada warns that the government’s stated aim of halving violence against women and girls by 2034 will not be met.

Tim Woodhouse, a suicide prevention expert, said as many as 1,800 suicides a year may be linked to domestic abuse, calling it “a national scandal”.

Andrea Simon, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said healthcare workers are often the only professionals victims may encounter: “They must be trained to spot the signs and know what to do. Inaction can lead to serious harm or even death.”

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, added: “Given the trusted relationships GPs have with patients, it is deeply worrying that chances to help might be missed.”

In response, an NHS spokesperson said: “All NHS staff must complete safeguarding training which includes domestic abuse, and this training is currently being reviewed and updated.”

A UK Government spokesperson said a new strategy to prevent domestic abuse is due later this year. “We remain committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools to support survivors,” they said.

Help is available for domestic abuse victims in Pembrokeshire

Support services offer confidential advice, refuge and counselling

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Pembrokeshire is urged to seek help. Support is available 24 hours a day, and no one should suffer in silence.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

There are several local and national organisations offering confidential support, practical advice and emergency accommodation:

Key Helplines

  • Live Fear Free Helpline (24/7, confidential):
    📞 0808 80 10 800
    📱 Text: 07860 077333
    📧 Email: [email protected]
  • Victim Support (for anyone affected by crime):
    📞 0808 16 89 111
  • Refuge National Helpline (for women and children):
    📞 0808 2000 247

Local Services in Pembrokeshire

  • Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)
    Offers outreach, one-to-one support, refuge, counselling, and children’s programmes.
    📞 01554 752 422
  • Stori (formerly Hafan Cymru)
    Provides housing support, drop-in advice and specialist help for women, men and families.
    📍 8 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DA
    🕘 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
    📞 01437 768 761
    📧 Email: [email protected]
  • Welsh Women’s Aid
    A national organisation working with local providers to ensure survivors get the help they need.
    Contact via the Live Fear Free Helpline above.

You are not alone.
Whether you need immediate safety, someone to talk to, or long-term support, these services are here to help. All calls are confidential and support is available for women, men and children.

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Business

Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

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TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.

Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”

Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.

“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”

Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.

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