News

Llanfyrnach: Suspended jail term after mistreatment of 31 horses

Published

4 years ago

December 23, 2020

A LLANFYRNACH man has been handed a six-month suspended jail sentence for the mistreatment of dozens of equines.

Alun Lloyd of Sunny Hill, Llanfyrnach, was found guilty of nine Animal Welfare Act offences split over two separate cases. He was sentenced on Tuesday (22 December) at Llanelli Magistrates Court, having previously failed to attend court.

In addition to a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Lloyd was disqualified from the keeping and owning of horses for ten years, and given £1,500 in fines and costs. He cannot appeal the decade-long ban for five years.

Some 31 horses in the care of Lloyd were being kept in an unsuitable environment, based in several fields at Esgyr Fawr in Cippyn where ragwort was prevalent.

Further offences specifically related to seven of the horses owned by Lloyd – six of whom his failure to act caused suffering unnecessarily. One was suffering due to poor condition, while a further five had poor body condition and weight loss. One of the horses was also suffering with an ulcerated sarcoid, while another also had serious dental issues.

Lloyd also failed to meet the needs of three horses needing effective lice control, two requiring treatment for rain scald, while one was also not given necessary veterinary care and attention for respiratory distress.

Sadly, four horses had to be put to sleep due to the extent of their condition and not responding to intensive treatment.

He now has 28 days to make arrangements for horses still in his care – after being told by the court that he may not keep or own the animals for the next decade.

The RSPCA was contacted by Dyfed Powys Police about the state of horses at Esgyr Fawr – and launched an investigation. Officers from the animal welfare charity say conditions had not improved despite offering advice on previous occasions and that court proceedings followed “bad husbandry” and a failure to respect the basic needs of 31 horses.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “Sadly, this case saw multiple horses cared for completely inappropriately – with some 31 not having their needs met, with repeated bad husbandry and several fields full of ragwort causing serious problems.

“Seven horses in particular caused us serious concern – with a combination of poor bodily condition, weight loss, dental problems and an ulcerated sarcoid causing suffering among this neglected group.

“Owning horses is a privilege – and unfortunately, despite repeated warnings, the standards of care have fallen well short of legal requirements here – and sadly these animals have paid the price. Fortunately, the RSPCA was able to intervene and the majority of these horses will have another chance of happiness.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.