News
Puppies rescued at Fishguard Port
SEVEN puppies were rescued at Fishguard Port in the early hours of Thursday morning (Nov 23), as part of a multi-agency operation tackling illegal animal importation.
The puppies – two foxhound type and five cocker spaniel type dogs – were found in two crates in the boot of a car that came off the Rosslare to Fishguard ferry at around 1.30am, which had been delayed by four hours.
The two foxhound type pups are believed to be 10 weeks old and the cocker spaniel type dogs around eight weeks old and were subject to welfare concerns.
The driver of the vehicle was told that the puppies were not able to continue their journey and subsequently signed over the puppies to the care of the RSPCA.
Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, of RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Our priority was the welfare of the puppies, and in conjunction with other agencies investigations will continue.
“The RSPCA is delighted to be able to work so closely with a number of partner agencies to target puppy dealers, and their involvement with us demonstrates the importance of working together in the interests of animal welfare. We are hugely grateful to the commitment they have shown towards this critical issue.
“We believe thousands of unsuspecting buyers purchase puppies who have been imported in shocking conditions, handing huge profits to unscrupulous traders.”
The seven puppies remained at the port overnight and were fed and watered by the RSPCA. A vet requested by the Animal Health and Welfare officers from Pembrokeshire County Council attended and confirmed they were fit to travel back to the Republic of Ireland.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Julie Fadden accompanied them on the ferry and handed them over on Thursday evening. Stena Line kindly provided free tickets for the journey.
Inspector Fadden said: “The puppies have now been safely taken back to the Republic of Ireland and passed over to the ISPCA, who have kindly taken them into their care.
“They are really friendly and beautiful puppies so I’m sure they will be found forever homes in no time.
“I would like to thank the kindness and generosity of Stena Line who went above and beyond to help us and give the puppies the VIP treatment.”
An ISPCA spokesperson said: “The seven puppies were assessed on Friday morning by a veterinary practitioner at the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford.
“The puppies are currently being kept in the ISPCA Isolation unit where they will be carefully monitored. They are not currently available for rehoming but will be added to the rehoming page on the ISPCA website when they are ready for adoption”.
If you wish to help RSPCA Cymru look into incidences such as this, you can donate online. The RSPCA is a charity and rely on public donations.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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