News
Stray Dogs Award for Council


Award: Dog warden Sally Bland and chairman of the Environment, Overview and Scrutiny Committee Councillor Brian Hall are pictured alongside RSPCA Cymru public affairs manager Paul Smith who is presenting the award to principal environmental health officer Tom Hayes
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has won an award for its treatment of stray dogs for the sixth consecutive year.
The Authority has been given a Silver award in RSPCA Cymru’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint scheme that recognises the commitment and achievement of Local Authorities, contingency planners and housing providers in improving and delivering animal welfare.
The Council provides a collection service for stray dogs within office hours with a drop-off facility by prior arrangement with the boarding kennels in Trecwn.
Attempts are always made to return stray dogs – picked up by the Council’s three dog wardens – to their owners provided that adequate information is carried on the dog by way of a collar, tag or microchip.
For over a year the dog wardens have been successfully using social media to reunite lost dogs with their owners, posting pictures of the pets on Facebook and Twitter.
Paul Smith, public affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru, said: “It is fantastic that for the sixth year in a row the Pembrokeshire team have been recognised for the fantastic work they do in tackling stray dogs but maximising the animal welfare of the dogs they pick up.
“With the compulsory microchipping of dogs coming in on April 6, the Dog Warden team have gone above and beyond in ensuring local dogs are microchipped over a number of years in partnership with animal charities.
“The RSPCA Community Animal Welfare Footprints acknowledge and recognise services which are too often undervalued as there is so much fantastic work that is undertaken in Wales in relation to animal welfare.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, Councillor Huw George, said: “The award from the RSPCA takes into account the training of staff; veterinary provision for sick animals; record keeping and re-homing policies relating to dogs that have been kept at the kennels in excess of the statutory limit of seven days.”
Crime
Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.
Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.
The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.
The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.
Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.
An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.
Charity
Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.
Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.
Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.
Crime
Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy
DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.
The three core priorities of the plan are:
- Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
- Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system
Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.
Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.
“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”
Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.
“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”
A joined-up approach to justice
Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.
“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”
The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.
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