News
Otter cub found in distress at Porthclais Harbour now safe
A YOUNG otter cub has been taken into RSPCA care after he was found in distress at Porthclais Harbour near St Davids.
The pup – who is thought to be around three months old – was found squeaking and in distress for many hours with Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) being called to the scene. When his mother didn’t return after a period of monitoring – volunteers at WMLR made the decision to safely confine him and RSPCA animal rescuer Ellie West was called to assist.
Ellie said: “This poor otter must have been very frightened as he would not have been used to being alone. The pup is just weaned but would have been dependent on mum because of the length of time otters stay with siblings and mum – which is around 12 to 18 months!
“He had abrasions to his pads on his feet – which would have been most likely caused from where he had been frantically moving around in search of his mum. He also had some scratches on his nose from where he was found amongst brambles.
“I’d very much like to thank Welsh Marine Life Rescue for their help in monitoring this otter for quite some time and of course all their fantastic animal welfare work throughout 2020.”
Ellie initially provided round the clock care for the otter before he was transferred to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre where he will continue his rehabilitation.
“At the wildlife centre he’ll be paired with another otter of a similar age,” she said. “He’ll now have a period rehabilitation there until he is big enough to go back to the wild.”

Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
-
News7 days agoRayner and Lammy visit Wales to discuss justice and community safety
-
News6 days agoFishguard linked to allegations in Many Tears Animal Rescue investigation
-
News4 days agoEmergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of person in river
-
Local Government7 days agoInvestigation confirmed after inspectors visit Many Tears Animal Rescue
-
Crime3 days agoMother given community order after admitting child cruelty offence
-
Business7 days agoOil firm praised for putting customers first during price surge
-
Community7 days agoTown hall takeover plan questioned as cost figures conflict
-
News3 days agoSenedd vote to ban greyhound racing hailed as ‘landmark moment’ by charities







