A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.

The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.

The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.

Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.

A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.

The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.

The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.

THE GREYHOUND BOARD OF GREAT BRITAIN, which oversees Wales’s only licensed greyhound racing track, has welcomed a statement by the Welsh Government on the licensing of animal establishments following a public consultation earlier this year.

GBGB, as the regulator for the licensed greyhound racing sector, expressed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Welsh Government to enhance the welfare of racing greyhounds. The statement, delivered by the Deputy First Minister, summarized responses to the consultation on licensing animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits.

Broad support for licensing

The consultation responses, which included contributions from GBGB, racing industry stakeholders, and animal welfare charities, demonstrated clear support for licensing animal welfare establishments. Respondents highlighted the positive economic, social, cultural, and welfare impacts of GBGB’s regulation of greyhound racing in Wales, particularly at the Valley Stadium.

Mark Bird, Chief Executive of GBGB, said: “We welcome the consultation summary today, which shows very clearly the strength of support for effective and proportionate regulation to safeguard animal welfare – whether for commercial dog walkers and pet groomers or within greyhound racing.

“As the regulator for Wales’s greyhound racing track, the Valley Stadium, we have proven how robust licensing can transform welfare standards. Despite coordinated and misleading campaigns by animal rights groups – as evidenced by the duplicate responses flagged in the summary – these efforts have not gained definitive support for a phased ban.

“We are pleased the Government continues to prioritise a fully comprehensive, evidence-based, and measured approach to optimising welfare. As further work is carried out on effective regulation in Wales, we remain committed to engaging fully with the Deputy First Minister and his officials to promote and protect greyhound welfare.”

Welfare and economic benefits highlighted

Bird emphasized the benefits brought by GBGB’s licensing standards at the Valley Stadium:
“Valley Stadium’s management has invested significantly to meet GBGB’s rigorous licensing requirements. The track now benefits from the expertise of an on-site veterinary surgeon and the ongoing support of our national network of experts. Racing greyhounds enjoy more protections and oversight than the general pet dog population across Wales.

“This licensing has not only enhanced welfare but also generated jobs, growth, and a strong base of local supporters who value the opportunity to enjoy this historic Welsh pastime with welfare at its core.”

Views from animal welfare organisations

The summary of consultation responses featured contributions from respected animal welfare organisations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and The Kennel Club.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home recommended robust regulation, stating:
“Battersea would strongly recommend regulation of Greyhound racing go beyond solely regulating the stadia to also account for trainer kennels, where racing Greyhounds spend 95% of their lives. Regulation should be based on proven, enforceable standards that safeguard welfare.”

The Kennel Club supported licensing, noting:
“We would suggest that it would be premature to ban greyhound racing in Wales without giving a licensing scheme an opportunity to demonstrate that racing can be regulated and operate to acceptable welfare standards.”

Looking ahead

GBGB remains committed to working with the Welsh Government to uphold the highest welfare standards in greyhound racing while ensuring the sport continues to contribute positively to local communities and the economy.

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed strong public support for Welsh Government proposals to introduce licensing for animal welfare establishments (AWEs), such as sanctuaries, rehoming centres, and rescues.

A recent consultation revealed that 82% of respondents back regulation for AWEs, marking significant progress in a campaign led by RSPCA Cymru to ensure these establishments are formally overseen. This would provide vital assurances to the public and enhance animal welfare protections.

Currently, AWEs in Wales are not subject to specific regulations—unlike riding schools, dog breeders, and cat boarders. This means that anyone can establish a sanctuary or rescue centre without proving they have the skills, funds, or resources needed to properly care for animals.

The Welsh Government’s consultation, which included 1,180 responses and also examined the future of greyhound racing, revealed:

• 82.18% of respondents supported licensing for AWEs (735 responses).
• 74.52% supported licensing for animal activities (726 responses).
• 71.63% backed a licensing scheme to strengthen regulations for animal exhibits (719 responses).

The consultation findings were published today (Dec 18), with further steps expected to be announced in Spring 2025.

RSPCA welcomes progress

RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, Billie-Jade Thomas, described the support as “overwhelming,” stating:
“Many owners of sanctuaries and other AWEs undertake hugely important work, but the lack of regulation and oversight has long been a concern.

“Our officers have too often dealt with situations spiralling out of control—capacity, governance, and financial issues are all too common. These findings highlight the clear need for regulatory action.”

The charity launched a report in 2023 highlighting the “urgent need” for regulation, supported by a poll showing 88% of the Welsh public agree AWEs should be licensed. Notably, 82% of AWEs surveyed by the RSPCA also supported licensing.

The report found that only 5% of the public were aware that AWEs are currently unregulated in Wales, with many assuming external oversight already exists.

Challenges with voluntary guidance

A voluntary Code of Practice for AWEs was introduced in September 2020, providing operational guidance. However, nearly half of AWEs surveyed admitted they had never referred to it, raising concerns about its effectiveness.

“While the Code of Practice was a step forward, it is clear too little notice has been paid to it,” said Billie. “We’ve even had to prosecute some AWE owners since its publication, showing legislative action is urgently needed.

“Without oversight, welfare issues can escalate, leaving owners overburdened and animals at risk. Regulations must ensure establishments are registered with local authorities and subjected to inspections.”

Broader welfare issues

The RSPCA is also part of the ‘Cut the Chase’ coalition, alongside Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, and Greyhound Rescue Wales, advocating for animal welfare reforms across sectors.

The consultation included proposals regarding greyhound racing, with further announcements on its future expected next year.

Supporters can learn more about the RSPCA’s #SaferSanctuaries campaign by visiting the charity’s website.

Photo caption
Campaign success: RSPCA Cymru continues to push for regulation of AWEs (Pic: Herald)