News
RSPCA call for primates to be banned as pets
RSPCA CYMRU has launched a campaign calling for a ban on keeping primates as pets in Wales.
The charity’s scientists believe that primates can never be kept as pets without their welfare being compromised and are calling on the public, and decision-makers, to support a ban.
The animal welfare charity hopes Wales will join the list of 15 European countries which have implemented a ban of some kind. It is estimated that there are around 120 privately-kept primates in Wales, and in 2015, the RSPCA received more calls about primates traded or kept as a pet in Wales than in any of the previous 11 years.
Marmosets, capuchins and squirrel monkeys are by far the most common primates being kept as pets, destined for unnecessary suffering in an unnatural environment.
In a survey, RSPCA Cymru found 72% of those polled in Wales support a ban of the keeping of all primates as pets. The charity is now calling on supporters to urge their Assembly Members to support a ban.
RSPCA’s senior scientific officer, Ros Clubb, said: “It doesn’t matter how well intentioned the owner is, primates are not suitable pets. All primates, hand-reared or not, are wild animals. They are highly intelligent beings that need specialist care in captivity. The complex environment that a primate needs can never be provided in a house.
“Often they are living in bird cages, being fed sugary drinks and sweets and living in filthy conditions. Even when the owner has good intentions, the animals’ needs are not being met because primates are so difficult to keep and it is extremely complicated to ensure their welfare needs are being met.
“We fear there are hundreds more that are suffering behind closed doors because people do not know how to look after these animals properly and simply can’t provide what they need.
“The trend for keeping primates seems to be on the up – but they have very specific needs that can’t be met in a typical household and so suffering can be extreme. As well as dietary and environmental needs, primates are highly social animals and they have extremely complex behavioural and social needs – but sadly in many cases they are being kept as lone primates.”
Former Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett has spoken to RSPCA Cymru about the time she rehomed a primate from a pet shop in the early 80s. After feeling ‘desperately sorry for him’ she made the decision to buy the monkey thinking she could rescue him and make a difference to his life. He had been tied up with a collar and lead.
“The minute I walked in the house with the monkey I realised how out of my depth I was,” she said.
“He was wild. We had a wild animal in our house. One time he was on the top of the cupboard and jumped on my son’s head. I went to grab him and he bit me all around my arm. We were all just screaming. It was crazy. I know it can’t have been the monkey’s fault – it must have been such an incredibly stressful experience for him.
“Looking back, it was so scary how little information was available about how completely inappropriate it is to keep a monkey in a domestic environment. The only advice people need is that primates should never be kept as pets.”
Releasing details of Mrs Barrett’s experience, RSPCA Cymru wants to dispel the myth that keeping a primate is achievable in any home setting.
“These really are wild animals, not cuddly toys,” said Mrs Barrett. “The Government needs to ban the keeping of primates as pets not only to protect them from lives of misery, but also to protect the public.
“Please don’t repeat the same mistake as me. It really was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. Primates should never ever be kept as pets.”
Crime
Pembrokeshire child killer stabbed to death in prison cell, murder trial hears
Kyle Bevan, jailed for the murder of Haverfordwest toddler Lola James, was allegedly stabbed 25 times and left ‘as if asleep’ in a maximum-security prison cell attack
KYLE BEVAN, the man jailed for murdering two-year-old Lola James in Haverfordwest, was stabbed 25 times during an attack in his prison cell, a murder trial has heard.
Bevan, 33, was serving a life sentence at HMP Wakefield after being convicted of killing his partner’s daughter, Lola, whose death shocked Pembrokeshire and led to major questions about child protection failings.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Bevan was attacked on November 5 last year by three fellow prisoners, Lee Newell, 57, Mark Fellows, 45, and David Taylor, 63.
All three deny murder.
‘Left to bleed to death’
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC told the jury the attack lasted four minutes and 39 seconds after Bevan entered his cell on A Wing.
He said the defendants followed him in “with real purpose” before allegedly carrying out a joint attack intended to kill him.
The court heard Bevan suffered at least 30 injuries, including 25 stab wounds from a sharp weapon. His heart and major blood vessels were damaged.
Mr Pitter said Bevan was then placed in bed “as if asleep” and left to bleed to death. His body was not discovered by prison staff until roll call the following morning.
Weapons found
Jurors were told a makeshift weapon, described as a folded piece of metal, was later found hidden behind a television and had Bevan’s blood on it.
Other weapons were allegedly found hidden in a container of chilli sauce in Taylor’s cell.
The court also heard that Taylor was allegedly heard saying: “Nice working with you and the Ice Man,” with “Ice Man” said to be a nickname for Fellows.
Pembrokeshire case
Bevan was jailed in 2023 for the murder of Lola James, who died after suffering catastrophic head injuries at her home in Haverfordwest.
Her mother, Sinead James, was also jailed for causing or allowing her death.
The case caused widespread anger in Pembrokeshire and led to serious questions about how Lola had been left in danger despite concerns being known before her death.
The trial continues.
News
Alarm over brown sea around Fishguard cruise ship as harbour gives explanation
Residents feared pollution after muddy water appeared around the Oceania Marina, but officials say sediment was churned up by the ship’s propulsion system.
BROWN discolouration seen in the sea around a cruise ship visiting Fishguard sparked concern among residents this week, after some feared it could indicate pollution in the harbour.
The large cruise vessel Oceania Marina arrived in Fishguard on Monday (Jun 8), bringing more than 1,200 passengers and hundreds of crew to Pembrokeshire as part of this summer’s growing cruise season.
But as the ship remained offshore, locals noticed muddy-looking water surrounding the vessel and took to social media to question whether waste had entered the bay.
The Herald understands concerns were raised with Fishguard Harbour, prompting enquiries with the ship’s operators.
According to an explanation passed to local county councillor Billy Shaw, the discolouration was not pollution but sediment disturbed from the seabed.
Harbour officials were told the ship had been using its propulsion system to hold position in strong winds and currents while tender boats ferried passengers to and from shore.
A statement from the vessel said the “brownish sea” seen around the ship had been caused by propulsion bringing mud to the surface.
The operators also stressed that no waste discharge takes place near land, saying all ship discharges stop before entering UK territorial waters and that the vessel complies with international maritime pollution rules.
The Oceania Marina, operated by Oceania Cruises, was making her first visit to Fishguard. Excursions took passengers to locations including St Davids and Cardigan, while many visitors spent time in Fishguard itself.
The call marks one of around two dozen cruise ship visits expected in Fishguard and Goodwick this season, with further vessels scheduled throughout the summer.
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.
The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.
Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.
A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”
Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.
Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.
Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.
“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”
The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.
For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.
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