News
Government to toughen sentencing on animal cruelty
CRIMINALS who are cruel to animals could soon be facing tougher sentencing.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which will see a significant increase to sentences for animal cruelty offences, is an ‘important step forward’ says Preseli MP Stephen Crabb.
The tabling of the legislation followed a crucial meeting at 10 Downing Street where ten leading welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust charity, came together to demand an end to inadequate sentences.
Once it has become law, those convicted of animal cruelty offences will face a maximum jail term of five years, rather than the paltry six months in place at the moment.
Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “I am proud to see this important step forward for animal welfare.
“There was a large outcry locally, when in 2016 two swans were shot dead in Haverfordwest in an act of mindless thuggery.
“Too often when people have been found guilty of an offence against animals the law has proved too weak to offer what many would consider an appropriate punishment. People don’t want to see courts handing out a slap on the wrist when someone has deliberately killed or maimed a beautiful animal.
“So I am pleased that the Government in Westminster published a new law to strengthen punishments when it comes to animal welfare.”
Dogs Trust Veterinary Director Paula Boyden said: “We whole-heartedly welcome the progress of this Bill through the Parliamentary process, as we continue our fight to tackle animal cruelty – an increase from the six-month maximum sentence is long overdue and much-needed to deter offenders.
“We also hope the Government will guarantee the welfare of the animals involved in cruelty cases while trial proceedings take place is considered. There is potentially a hugely detrimental effect on the wellbeing of dogs held in kennels for extended periods during long-running cases.”
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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