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Child cruelty offences in Wales increase by more than 50%

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Child Abuse Wales

Child Abuse WalesTHE NUMBER of child cruelty and neglect cases recorded by police in Wales has risen by 53% in the last year, the NSPCC reveals today.

The charity’s annual child protection review – How Safe are our children? – shows parents or carers were reported in connection with 415 offences in 2014-15 compared to 272 in 2013-14.

The increase in recorded cases is reflected in the number of calls made to the NSPCC helpline about children suffering neglect. Last year there were over 16,000 contacts to the UK-wide helpline.

Adults called with fears about children who were hungry and dirty, while other contacts reported parents who were drunk or left their children to fend for themselves.

Research has proven that emotional neglect, where children are ignored and not given the love they need, is increasingly becoming more common.

Neglect remains the most common reason for a child to be placed on the child protection register (CPR) in Wales, with 40 per cent of registrations at 31 March 2015.

In a bid to tackle neglect NSPCC Cymru was commissioned by the Welsh Government to deliver the Welsh Neglect Project. The project aimed to improve multi-agency responses and services for neglected children and their families.

The children’s charity is now calling for an enhanced health visiting service and family support programmes to ensure children’s needs are met and address issues early.

Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, said: “It is always worrying when statistics show cruelty and neglect offences are increasing, although one reason could be that the police, public and professionals are better at recognising the various forms of neglect.

“Neglect remains the most common reason for a child to be placed on the child protection register and is still an under-recognised and under-reported issue that often doesn’t come to the attention of police and social services. This means that the number of children suffering from abuse and neglect could be far higher.”

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “Neglect is the most common form of abuse in the UK and can wreak havoc on a child’s brain development, emotional well-being, ability to form relationships, and mental health. These children are more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. For some, neglect can be fatal.

“These levels of neglect simply do not belong to the 21st century. It’s an unacceptable situation which must be remedied. And we can only do that by looking out for vulnerable children and making sure that they are given the right support to prevent longer term damage.”

It’s unclear why the recorded cases have risen so dramatically, but greater public awareness and improvements in how police record offences could be factors.

The most likely cause is that more children who are experiencing cruelty and neglect are now being identified, particularly now that emotional neglect is better recognised and the Serious Crime Act 2015 was changed to include psychological harm

One 14-year-old boy who called the NSPCC’s ChildLine service said: “I know it sounds disgusting but sometimes I feel like eating pet food because it’s all there is in the house. But I just drink water to make me feel full- up instead. My teacher has asked why I’m dressed in dirty clothes and why I never have any lunch money and I don’t know what to say. I feel angry at my parents because they don’t seem to care how miserable it’s making me. If I ask them for anything they become really angry and hit me. Sometimes I feel killing myself will be the only way out.”

Another 13-year-old told how he was forced to steal because he was so hungry: “My mum goes out every weekend to the pub. She doesn’t seem to care about me or my brother. There is never any food at home and when we ask for something to eat she gives us cereal. I’m always feeling tired and can’t concentrate – I only ever think about food when I’m at school. Sometimes I steal packed lunches from the other kids because I know I probably won’t get anything at home. I don’t know if my life will ever change but I can’t live like this anymore.”

The NSPCC is running a campaign – It’s Time – which is calling for all child victims of abuse to be given timely, appropriate therapy to help them overcome their traumatic experience and rebuild their lives.

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Puffin found 110 miles inland released back into the wild in Pembrokeshire

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Rare rescue sees seabird named Oona nursed back to health after landing in Herefordshire garden

A PUFFIN that somehow found its way more than 100 miles inland has been returned to the sea in Pembrokeshire after being rescued in a Herefordshire garden.

The bird, affectionately named Oona after a children’s book character, was discovered in June in the landlocked county — some 110 miles from the coast — and taken to Vets for Pets in Hereford. At just 218g, around half the normal weight for an adult puffin, she was underweight but otherwise alert.

Wildlife vet David Couper from the RSPCA provided guidance on her initial care, and once stabilised, Oona was transferred to the charity’s specialist West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset. Staff there say puffin patients are extremely rare — only six have been treated at the centre in the past ten years.

Ryan Walker, Wildlife Supervisor at West Hatch, said: “Finding a puffin that far inland is extraordinary. She quickly became a bit of a star here. Our team gave her a good clean-up, helped her regain strength, and she did really well during her stay with us.”

Following her rehabilitation, which included nutritious fish meals and time in a recovery pool, Oona was returned to the sea off the coast of Pembrokeshire — home to Wales’ best-known puffin colonies, particularly on Skomer Island.

Puffins typically breed in coastal colonies, raising their chicks in burrows during spring and summer before spending the rest of the year out at sea. It’s rare for them to be found inland unless blown off course or affected by illness or exhaustion.

Oona’s story is just one of thousands seen by the RSPCA each year. In 2024, the charity took in over 10,000 wild animals across its four dedicated wildlife centres, with many found injured, orphaned or sick in people’s gardens.

The RSPCA is urging the public to act quickly if they find an animal in distress. Where safe, they should take the animal directly to a vet or consult advice on the charity’s website: www.rspca.org.uk/reportcruelty

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Crime

Youth, 19, appears in court over Tenby stabbing incident

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A YOUNG man accused of stabbing a teenager in a Tenby housing estate on Monday (July 14) has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates.

OLIVER DOWLING, aged 19, of Newell Hill, Tenby, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 17) charged with three offences — including wounding with intent, possessing a knife in a public place, and possession of cannabis.

The charges relate to a serious incident on Hafalnod estate, where Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a man was taken to hospital after being stabbed with a knife. The victim, named in court as JOSH ALLEN, is recovering from his injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Dowling faces the following charges:

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861),

Possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely a kitchen knife, on Hafalnod estate,

Possession of a quantity of cannabis, a Class B drug.

No pleas were entered, and magistrates declined bail on the grounds that Dowling was likely to reoffend and could interfere with witnesses. He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court on August 18 at 9:00am.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a 20-year-old man had been arrested shortly after the incident and that no other individuals are being sought in connection with the matter.

A police spokesperson said: “There continues to be an increased police presence within the area, and if anyone has any concerns please speak to those officers.”

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Farming

Farming future at a crossroads as final Welsh support scheme unveiled

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Unions, politicians and sector leaders respond to ‘once-in-a-generation’ changes in land policy

THE FINAL version of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) has been published—sparking a fierce national debate over the future of food production, land management and the economic survival of rural communities across Wales.

Due to come into force on 1 January 2026, the scheme will replace the European Union’s Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), marking the end of a decade-long post-Brexit transition. It introduces a new three-tier model of support—Universal, Optional and Collaborative—with all participating farmers required to undertake twelve baseline actions such as maintaining hedgerows, improving soil health, and managing wildlife habitats.

The Welsh Government has framed the move as a bold shift towards sustainable land stewardship. But farming unions, opposition parties and rural campaigners have expressed serious concerns about the timing, funding, and long-term consequences of the proposals.

There had been protests over the proposals (Image: Sam Kurtz)

FUW: ‘A generational milestone—but not perfect’

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) described the publication of the final scheme as a “generational milestone,” representing the culmination of years of intense discussions between the sector and Welsh Government.

FUW President IAN RICKMAN said: “We have left no stone unturned in our ambition to secure a viable post-Brexit farm support framework. This is a watershed moment for Welsh agriculture.”

The FUW welcomed several major concessions, including:

  • A combined £238 million budget for Universal payments and BPS tapering;
  • A reduction in Universal Actions from 17 to 12;
  • Exemptions for tenant farmers;
  • Removal of the controversial 10% tree cover requirement.

However, the union remains deeply concerned about the scheme’s remaining obligations, particularly the 10% habitat requirement, which many believe will reduce the amount of productive farmland available. Mr Rickman also criticised the “disappointing” tapering schedule for existing BPS payments—set to fall to 60% in 2026 and drop by 20% each subsequent year.

“We urged a gentler five-step reduction starting at 80%. Despite this milestone, we will continue to push for practical improvements as implementation begins.”

NSA: ‘Stark choice for farmers’

The National Sheep Association (NSA) acknowledged progress but warned that many producers now face a stark decision.

NSA Chief Executive PHIL STOCKER said: “Farmers must now ask themselves—do they work with government and adopt environmental delivery, or do they walk away and farm independently without public support?”

NSA Cymru’s HELEN ROBERTS noted the omission of sheep from the Welsh Government’s press release as troubling: “There will be winners and losers. Some of the actions reflect existing good practice, but we’re worried about increased red tape and a lack of clarity on long-term outcomes. The steep cut to 60% BPS is harsher than expected and creates uncertainty.”

Paul Davies MS: ‘Another blow to farmers’

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS PAUL DAVIES described the final SFS as yet another blow to farmers already struggling under government pressure.

“This is dressed up as a new approach, but it’s another blow to Welsh farmers already reeling from devastating government policies. The cut to 60% is cruel and unjustified.”

Mr Davies criticised the absence of a published economic impact assessment, accusing both the Welsh and UK governments of abandoning the rural economy.

“From inheritance tax changes to bovine TB inaction and new hoops for farmers to jump through, it’s clear that governments on both ends of the M4 have failed to support our producers.”

Samuel Kurtz MS: ‘Still no answers on funding or impact’

On his feet: Sam Kurtz MS in the Senedd (Image: Senedd TV)

Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary SAMUEL KURTZ accused the Welsh Government of publishing the final SFS without full transparency or accountability.

“After seven long years, farmers still don’t know what this scheme will really cost their businesses. Labour’s relationship with rural Wales is broken,” he said.

Mr Kurtz also criticised the Cabinet Secretary for failing to release the impact assessment, which, he claims, ministers have already seen.

“I stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers on the Senedd steps last year—and I continue to stand with them against any policy that threatens food security and rural livelihoods.”

Plaid Cymru: ‘A step forward—but not far enough’

Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs spokesperson, LLYR GRUFFYDD MS, acknowledged that the final scheme had improved following sector engagement—but said serious funding questions remained unanswered.

“It’s clear that this scheme has evolved from its initial form. As the farming unions and others have rightly pointed out, the scheme is an improvement on the one originally proposed,” he said.

“While we welcome the £238 million funding for the year ahead, a one-year pledge is simply not enough. A Plaid Cymru government would guarantee that level of support in real terms as a minimum and introduce a multi-year funding cycle.”

Mr Gruffydd also raised concerns about balance across the scheme’s tiers, the structure of the transition period, and the still-undefined “social value” payment.

“We trust these issues will be addressed swiftly, because, as ever, the devil will be in the detail.”

Labour blocks call for Senedd vote

Amid mounting pressure, Welsh Labour MSs voted down a motion in the Senedd this week which would have required a binding vote on the scheme’s implementation before it came into effect.

“By voting against this, Labour has dismissed farmers’ concerns once again,” said Mr Kurtz. “Trust is at an all-time low.”

Looking ahead

The Welsh Government has pledged to publish a “ready reckoner” tool in the coming weeks to help farmers estimate the financial value of their participation in the new scheme.

The BPS tapering will begin in 2026, with recipients receiving 60% of their previous payments, and reductions of 20% annually thereafter.

An economic impact assessment—originally expected to be published alongside the final scheme—is now due in September 2025, just months before the scheme is set to begin.

Farming unions have said they will continue to work constructively with ministers, but warned that ongoing engagement will be crucial as technical guidance and implementation plans are finalised.

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