News

Police swoop finds caged dogs

Published

8 years ago

August 26, 2016

DogCage WHEN Fishguard Port police stopped and searched a transit van when it arrived from Rosslare last September, they discovered almost a dozen dogs in blanket-covered cages.

The two bitches and nine puppies – destined for London – were seized by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health and Welfare Officers and placed in quarantine at a local kennel as the owner did not have the necessary documentation.

The officers arranged for the animals to be examined by a vet who found them in poor condition and full of worms.

The vet also concluded that two of the pups were too young to be transported without their mother and, a short time later, one of them died.

While at the kennels the surviving dogs were given the necessary care and vaccinations.

At Haverfordwest magistrates on Wednesday (Aug 24), the driver of the van, mother of six Martina O’Brien from Surrey, admitted two Animal Welfare offences.

She was fined £180 for each offence but this was reduced to £120 because of an early guilty plea. Full costs of £2,115.40 were also awarded, together with a £20 victim surcharge making a total of £2,375.40. She will pay at a rate of £10 per fortnight.

O’Brien appeared before the court after a warrant was issued for her arrest having failed to appear before magistrates earlier this year.

Her solicitor, Jonathan Webb, said she had failed to attend court initially because she was fleeing domestic violence.

Mr Webb said the defendant had relied on the word of the person who had sold her the dogs that they had been weaned and wormed.

He added that O’Brien had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity for which she should be given credit.

After the hearing, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, Huw George, said the Authority would not tolerate any illegal landing of dogs through any port in Pembrokeshire.

“Regular checks are carried out to ensure that all dogs transported through the ports have the correct documentation with them” said Councillor George.

“Fortunately, in this case, the story does have a happy ending. All the remaining dogs and puppies have since been rehomed.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

17 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.