News

Pembroke Dock: ‘Neglected’ sheep prompts outrage in locals

Published

7 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.”

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.