News

Seven year ban for woman who neglected dog

Published

8 years ago

March 14, 2017

A 43-YEAR-OLD woman appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates yesterday (Mar 13), after being accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a Collie-cross.

Brenda Bateman, of Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.

Prosecutor, John Tarrant, told the court that on October 27, 2016, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben attended her home address and spoke to Bateman, who said her dog was ‘in a bad way’.

He said: “She said her dog’s nails were bad and she couldn’t get near her. She signed the dog over and consent for euthenasia.”

The dog, called Jess, was taken to a vet who gave her a body conditioning score of 3 out of 5, and noted she had severe alopecia as well as hyper pigmentation. Mr Tarrant said the dog had been ‘attacking’ its skin, which had become become thick and red.

16-year-old Jess’ nails had become so overgrown that they had curled under her paw and altered her footpad, and had a ‘stilted gait’.

Reading from the veterinary statement, Mr Tarrant said: “The animal had undergone unnecessary suffering from four to six months or longer. It was painful for it to walk.”

When Bateman was interviewed, she said ‘it went bad in March’, and claimed she thought Jess’ condition had deteriorated due to old age. The court heard that Batemen had said she was anxious that Jess would be put to sleep, and had said she ‘couldn’t get near’ her paws. However, Mr Tarrant explained that the vet noted Jess was fine to have her paws touched.

Bateman claimed that she made her paw bleed the last time she cut her nails, which is why she couldn’t cut them again.

Bateman told the court: “Life was a mess. Every night when I go to bed I think of my Jess. She had a good home. I’ve failed.”

She told the bench that since Jess had been put to sleep, her anxiety has been ‘put at ease’.

Magistrates told Bateman that they had carefully considered the matters, and ordered she pay £300 prosecution costs to the RSPCA, a fine of £200 and £30 victim surcharge.

Bateman was also banned from keeping animals for seven years, however she can appeal to the court after three and a half years.

The chair of the bench told Bateman that it was ‘unacceptable’ that the dog had suffered serious distress, and pets ‘must be cared for until the end of their lives’.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

12 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

12 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.