Community

Control of horses act becomes law

Published

12 years ago

February 6, 2014

NFU CYMRU has welcomed the fact that the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 has become law in Wales this week.

The Act will provide all local authorities in Wales with consistent legal powers to seize, impound, sell, re-home, return, dispose of and destroy horses by humane means, when the horses are found causing nuisance by fly grazing, straying or have been abandoned in a local authority area.

NFU Cymru member, William Jenkins, who has himself been affected by fly grazing said:

“The issue of fly grazing, whereby horses and ponies are turned out to graze on private land, such as farmers’ fields, without permission, has risen to some considerable prominence in recent times. Whilst the problem has been particularly serious in south Wales and along the M4 corridor, it is a problem that can occur in any location.

“A survey by the Union last year found that about five per cent of our members in Wales have direct experience of fly-grazing, while a similar number are aware of a neighbour who has been a victim of fly-grazing. The survey also indicated that the problem has worsened over the past few years.

“The costs, damage to grazing and welfare implications for farmers affected by this menace can be considerable with the liability unfairly falling on farmers who are the innocent victims of this illegal activity.”

William Jenkins concluded: “For these reasons, NFU Cymru is pleased that the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 has received Royal Assent (27 January, 2014), and that Wales has led the way in taking genuine steps to combat this menace. The Act provides a further tool in combatting fly grazing, straying and abandonment of horses and ponies and will hopefully work towards establishing a fly grazing free Wales.”

Welcoming the Act, FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams said that over recent years the number of fly grazing incidents have increased substantially, particularly in South Wales where large numbers of horses have been dumped on private and public land, resulting in major welfare problems for animals of little value and significant implications for public safety when straying onto public highways on the farming sector as well as the resource implications for local authorities, equine charities and the tax payer.

“Earlier last year the FUW contributed to the Welsh Government consultation which looked at the actions and legislative changes that might be needed to deliver a long term solution to tackle the issue of fly grazing and the abandonment of horses and ponies in Wales and worked with Welsh Government to come up with ideas which have now been incorporated into the new Act,” Mr Williams added.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).