RSPCA appeals for information as cats and wildlife targeted in Hakin area

A CAT has died after being shot twice with an air gun in Milford Haven, prompting a fresh appeal from RSPCA Cymru.

The animal welfare charity said concern is growing after a number of cats and a pigeon were shot in the Hakin area in recent weeks.

The latest case involves a cat which was taken to All Pets Vet Care on May 11 after being shot in the left hind leg. A pellet was found embedded in the bone and vets planned to remove it after treating the cat with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

But the same cat was brought back to the practice in a collapsed state on Tuesday (May 26), unable to use either of its hind legs.

Further X-rays showed a second pellet in the right thigh, which had caused a serious femoral fracture. A healing fracture was also visible in the left tibia. Sadly, the cat died overnight.

‘Really upsetting’

Dr Cethin Ravenhill, from All Pets Vet Care said: “This has been really upsetting to deal with and I am shocked that anyone would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them, leading to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.

“For this cat to have been shot twice is very upsetting. Also, sometime between May 11 and last night, a fracture of his tibia was sustained on the left hind leg, which showed evidence of healing on the X-ray.

“This means this fracture is at least twelve or so days old. The two pellets were visible from the latest X-rays along with a severe, fresh femoral fracture of the right hind leg.

“He was signed over to the practice and received emergency supportive care overnight including antibiotics, but unfortunately passed away in the early hours of the morning, most likely due to sepsis from the femoral fracture caused by the pellet.”

Previous attacks

The latest incident follows an appeal last month after a pigeon was found injured on Charles Street by a passer-by.

The bird was examined at All Pets Vet Care after the incident on April 21, and a pellet was found to have shattered through its wing bones. The pigeon was later put to sleep.

In March, the RSPCA also appealed for information after several cats were shot with an air gun in the area. At least one cat died and three others were injured.

RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may also have been targeted and is urging the local community to help by reporting any information.

Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incidents, said: “The report of another cat being shot — and for a second time — is extremely concerning.

“It is heartbreaking to lose a pet, but it is devastating to find out that an air gun pellet had been the cause.

“There is a growing concern that cats and wildlife are being deliberately targeted and killed in this way — there is no excuse to harm a defenceless animal.”

Police informed

Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed.

Anyone deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if convicted under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Inspector Hogben added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01751732.

“We would also ask parents and carers to speak to and educate young people about this.”

The RSPCA says it receives almost 1,000 calls every year about air gun attacks, with cats and wildlife among the most vulnerable animals because they are often outside with no one to protect them.

Inspector Hogben said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.

“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”

Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or finds an injured animal can report it through the RSPCA website.

FINANCIAL backing of this year’s Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire, to the tune of £73,000, with a potential budget of up to £200,000, has been approved by senior councillors.

The 2026 Eisteddfod, running from August 1-8 at Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire, holds particular historical significance as it marks the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod, held in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi.

With this year’s Maes located close to the original site, the event is expected to be a landmark occasion for the region and for Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe and one of the most prominent events in the Welsh cultural calendar, attracting approximately 175,000 visitors annually.

The festival celebrates Welsh language, literature, music, and the arts, with a diverse programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions, and community activities.

The Eisteddfod proclamation took place in Narberth last May, with hundreds attending.

At the June meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to approve Pembrokeshire County Council to lead and deliver Pentre’r Garreg Las at the National Eisteddfod 2026.

Cabinet was also asked to approve the current financial commitment of approximately £73,751 (+ VAT), noting that further costs will be finalised as the programme develops, and endorse collaborative arrangements with Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils.

A budget for up to £200,000 for the promotion of the event is also being pencilled in; members hearing it was hoped this figure would be a ceiling of potential costs, with hopes the council’s part could be lowered by external funding.

A report for members, presented by Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Safeguarding and the Welsh Language Cllr Alistair Cameron, said: “The National Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest travelling cultural festival, attracting up to 170,000 visitors annually and providing a nationally significant platform for the celebration of Welsh language, culture and identity.

“As lead authority, Pembrokeshire is responsible for the overall coordination, planning and funding of the Pentre. This includes the development of the overarching concept, the curation of a coherent thematic programme, and the management of key relationships with partner authorities, stakeholders and delivery partners.”

It went on to say: “While initial site, infrastructure and concept costs have been identified at approximately £73,751 (+ VAT), it is recognised that the full delivery of Pentre’r Garreg Las, as a flagship offer led by Pembrokeshire, will necessitate a broader major events budget estimated in the region of £200,000. The funding for this is coming from the current major events budget with additional funding coming from the initiative fund reserve.”

The report said efforts will be made to maximise external funding opportunities in order to mitigate the net cost to the council.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Pembrokeshire to showcase  the best of this county,” adding: “The last time it was here was 2004, we get to see this opportunity maybe every 20 years, it’s down to us to make the best of the opportunity, overall it’s a fantastic story for us as a county.”

A full budget breakdown is expected at the July Cabinet meeting, members agreeing to back the recommendations.

TO CELEBRATE National Volunteers’ Week from June 1-7, local community enterprise Cwm Arian is inviting people to help transform their CoedUNO site, which is an exciting community growing and agroforestry space nestled in Tegryn. 

Thanks to a financial Community Grant from the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG)- delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the National Forest for Wales programme – these free, hands-on sessions will run every Tuesday morning for the next few months.

The project offers a unique opportunity to step out into nature, connect with a friendly team, and learn practical, regenerative land skills directly from an industry expert. All sessions are guided by volunteer coordinator Kevin Rabbitt, an experienced horticulturist, woodsman, and agroecology advisor. 

Under Kevin’s expert guidance, participants will gain rich, practical experience in everything from tree planting and plant species identification to mastering composting systems and nurturing soil health. Volunteers can also delve into traditional woodland crafts and broader regenerative land management.

Because the team wants these sessions to be shaped by the people who attend, volunteers are encouraged to share their own ideas and focus on the specific skills that interest them most. No prior experience is necessary, and a supportive, welcoming environment is guaranteed for everyone.

This collaborative effort comes at a pivotal time for CoedUNO, as work is actively underway to transform the site into a fully inclusive and accessible space. The project has already made fantastic progress with the completion of new, mobility-friendly pathways. 

The next phase of development will bring a dedicated tool-shed shelter, a disability-friendly compost toilet, and significantly improved vehicle access.

Since  active construction is taking place to upgrade this infrastructure, CoedUNO remains closed to the general public for safety reasons. Joining these supervised Tuesday sessions is currently the only way to experience the space and witness its transformation first-hand before the official public opening later this summer.

The sessions begin promptly at 10:00 am every Tuesday morning, with volunteers meeting in front of Ysgol Clyda in Tegryn (SA35 0BE), where convenient roadside parking is available. Due to the ongoing building works, organisers ask that participants approach the site with care and observe all safety signage.

To book a place, share project ideas, or find out more, please contact Kevin Rabbitt directly at [email protected].