RSPCA CYMRU has called on the new Welsh Government to ensure animal welfare remains a political priority during the next Senedd term.

The charity has written an open letter to Llyr Gruffydd MS, the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, urging ministers to deliver animal welfare commitments made in Plaid Cymru’s manifesto.

Those pledges included promoting responsible pet ownership and breeding, licensing animal rescues, and strengthening the rights of renters who wish to keep pets.

RSPCA Cymru says Wales has already made progress, including bans on snares and glue traps, mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses, legislation to ban greyhound racing, and moves towards regulating animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehoming centres.

Its Animal Kindness Index found that 75% of people in Wales describe themselves as animal lovers, the highest proportion in the UK. The same survey found that 85% of people in Wales believe animal welfare should be protected through legislation.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager said: “It’s clear that Wales is a nation of animal lovers and that animal welfare is important to so many people.

“We really do have the opportunity to make huge progress in our animal welfare standards in Wales under the new Welsh Government and we look forward to working with them to ensure every kind of animal in Wales has a good life.

“That starts with those at the helm of the new Welsh Government delivering on their manifesto commitments for animals.”

The charity is also calling for ministers to go further, including granting RSPCA inspectors limited statutory powers, making pet abduction a specific offence in Wales, regulating livery yards, tackling horse tethering, improving farm animal welfare, and introducing mandatory labelling on animal-derived products.

One of the more politically sensitive areas is bovine TB. The RSPCA says it supports efforts to eradicate the disease but wants a humane approach that does not involve badger culling.

Farming unions have previously argued that bovine TB has had a devastating impact on Welsh farms, with cattle slaughtered, businesses disrupted and families placed under serious financial pressure. They have called for a stronger eradication strategy and say any policy must be based on evidence and the practical realities facing farmers.

The issue is likely to remain one of the most difficult areas for the new minister, as animal welfare campaigners, farmers, vets and conservation groups continue to press for different approaches.

RSPCA Cymru is urging supporters to sign its open letter and says animal welfare must not be allowed to slip down the political agenda.

The charity is also encouraging people to take part in its Summer of Kindness campaign, which promotes simple, family-friendly ways to help animals.

CARDIGAN RNLI is inviting the community to enjoy an evening of music, food and fundraising at its fourth annual Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival.

The event will take place at Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday, June 20, from 3:00pm to 9:00pm.

Organisers say the family-friendly festival will feature live music throughout the afternoon and evening, with performances from Cariad Sound, The Bad Latitudes Shanty Group, Howni Shanty Group and Blaenporth Male Voice Choir.

A wide range of food and drink will also be available from local vendors, including Manuka Asian Street Food, Dewi James BBQ, Pembrokeshire Wood Fired Pizza, Ice Green Vegan Ice Cream, Los Muñecos Mexican Street Food, Bluestones Coffee, Mantle Brewery and Cream Tea.

Tickets cost £5, with all proceeds going towards supporting Cardigan RNLI’s lifesaving work.

Bruce Harris, event organiser said: “Our Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival is a fantastic way to bring the community together while supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

“There’s something for everyone, great music, brilliant local food and a wonderful atmosphere by the water.

“Every ticket sold helps our volunteer crew continue to save lives at sea, so we’re really looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible for a great evening in support of Cardigan Lifeboat Station.”

RESIDENTS are being asked to help shape the future of well-being in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire Public Services Board has launched its third Well-being Assessment and wants to hear from people who live or work in the county.

The assessment looks at what matters most to local communities, including issues affecting people’s quality of life now and in the years ahead.

It is a legal requirement under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The findings will help the Public Services Board decide what action is needed to improve well-being across Pembrokeshire.

The survey opened on Monday (Jun 1) and runs until Saturday, August 8, 2026.

It is being carried out jointly with Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Residents can take part online at: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Well-being_Assessment_2026

Photo caption: Have your say: Residents are being asked to help shape future well-being plans in Pembrokeshire.