News

Pembroke Dock: ‘Neglected’ sheep prompts outrage in locals

Published

6 years ago

January 28, 2019

RESIDENTS in Pembroke Dock are expressing concerns about the welfare of animals in a nearby field after a sheep which was found to be in ill health by the member of the public had to be put down by a vet.

The animal was found at a field just off the B4322 (Pembroke Road) yesterday afternoon (Jan 27).

The locals who saw the animal in distress, describing it as seemingly ‘neglected’, tried to contact the RSCPA but received no help, which ultimately meant that a vet had to put the animal to sleep.

A Facebook post about the incident has been shared hundreds of times, with many local residents expressing their outrage at the fact animals were being kept in such conditions.

A Herald reporter visited the field this afternoon (Jan 28) and it is easy to see why locals are alarmed.

Immediately in front of the gate a wrecked vehicle, with debris strewn across the ground across the length of the field.

Debris: All across the field (pic. Herald)

Wire, pieces of old wooden pallets, and litter can easily be identified from the gateway.

The field also lacks a lot of grass, with the majority of the ground covered in mud.

One local, who did not wish to be named, told us: “I saw the sheep – initially thought it was dead, but I went into the field and took a closer look and it was moving so I stooped down to it.

“It started to have a seizure and was in a bad way – I couldn’t leave it like she was.

Old vehicle: In front of the gateway (pic. Herald)

“We contacted the RSPCA but after 2 hours we had heard nothing and the weather was atrocious so I decided to try and make it comfortable by making a bed in the back of my van.”

The local continued: “A man turned up to ask what was wrong – I explained and he drove off, and then the owner came. He was identified to me afterwards as I had no clue who he was at the time.

“He asked what was wrong and I explained and he opened her mouth, pulled her legs and told me to take it home.

“At this stage I was unaware who this person was, so I called a vet as I couldn’t bear to see it suffer any more and the RSPCA hadn’t turned.

“The vet came to your home and put her to sleep in the back of my van.

“Nobody has contacted myself or my friend – I’m just being inundated with messages from the public telling me of lots of other occasions of neglect etc that authorities are well aware of but nothing is ever done.”

When contacted by The Herald about the concerns raised, a spokesperson told us: “We are aware of the number of expressions of concern relating to these animals.

“We can assure the public that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure the welfare of the animals during the ongoing investigation.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “RSPCA Cymru is very saddened to hear that this sheep was severely injured and to prevent further suffering was put to sleep. The animal welfare charity can confirm that it received a call in regards to this sheep, and passed this onto Animal Health, who have been leading on animal-matters in the area.

“Unfortunately, the RSPCA only has a very small number of inspectors – but we receive a call for help approximately every 30 seconds across England and Wales; and sometimes need to pass calls onto other agencies where they have appropriate statutory responsibility, or who have prior experience of a location.”

Crime

Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock

Published

4 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are renewing their appeal for information to locate Darren Markes, 46, from Pembroke Dock. He is wanted in connection with a domestic assault.

Markes is believed to have links to the Portsmouth and Sussex areas.

If you have seen Darren Markes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the police through one of the following methods:

Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 101

You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers:

Phone: 0800 555 111
Website: crimestoppers-uk.org

Please quote reference number 24*944729 when providing information.

News

Ferry accident mars inaugural voyage on new Dublin-Fishguard route

Published

11 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IRISH Ferries’ Isle of Innisfree sustained damage during its first arrival at Fishguard port on Friday, December 20, 2024. The incident occurred as the ferry attempted to dock, resulting in a hole in the vessel’s hull.

The new Dublin-Fishguard route was hastily established in response to the ongoing closure of Holyhead port, which has been shut since early December due to storm damage. Holyhead, the busiest port between the UK and Ireland, is not expected to reopen until January 15, 2025, at the earliest

This closure has caused significant disruption to both passenger and freight traffic, with an estimated 100,000 people typically returning to Ireland for Christmas. The new Fishguard route was intended to alleviate some of this pressure and maintain vital connections between Ireland and Wales.

As the Isle of Innisfree approached Fishguard on its inaugural journey, it encountered difficulties during the docking process. While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, the ferry sustained a hole in its hull upon contact with the port structures.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident. However, the damage has necessitated immediate emergency repairs.

The Herald understands that the ferry operator is currently assessing the damage and carrying out emergency repairs. Vehicles will be allowed to board once the vessel is deemed fit to sail.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by ferry operators in adapting to the Holyhead port closure. As the busy Christmas period approaches, both the Welsh and Irish governments are working closely with commercial ferry and port operators to increase capacity and minimise disruption.

Irish Ferries have been asked for a comment.

Entertainment

Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners Announced for 10th Anniversary Celebration

Published

17 mins ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE UNEARTHED FESTICAL is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style, with headline performances from Macka B, Natty, and Ozric Tentacles.

Adding to the excitement, Marcus Gad is anticipated to join the lineup, though this awaits final confirmation, as stated in a recent newsletter to the festival’s mailing list.

The much-loved festival, renowned for its vibrant blend of music and arts, is gearing up for its milestone year. Organisers are urging festival-goers to secure their spots early, as campervan spaces, dog passes, and parking permits are in limited supply.

Early bird tickets for Unearthed 2025 sold out in record time, a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity among its dedicated fan base.

In a statement to attendees, the festival team said: “These epic artists are Unearthed icons, and as it’s our 10th anniversary festival, we couldn’t imagine celebrating without them.”

To mark the occasion, a redesigned festival website was unveiled last Friday, alongside the opening of applications for performers, volunteers, traders, and other contributors. The team encourages prompt submissions to ensure a chance to participate in this landmark event.

Adding to the festive spirit, organisers have also extended an invitation to their New Year’s Eve party—a warm-up to the main event next summer.

The Unearthed Festival has built a reputation over the past decade for delivering a unique community experience, blending diverse music, art, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with attendees.

As part of the broader summer festival scene, Unearthed continues to stand out as a celebration of creativity and connection, promising another unforgettable year in 2025.