News

Plan to achieve good quality of life for all animals in Wales published

Published

3 years ago

November 8, 2021

It outlines how the Welsh Government will take forward its animal welfare commitments in its Programme for Government

A FIVE-YEAR plan which outlines steps towards achieving the ambition of ensuring a good quality of life for all animals in Wales will be published today by the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths.

Our Animal Welfare Plan for Wales builds on what has already been achieved since the devolution of animal welfare powers in 2006.

It outlines how the Welsh Government will take forward its animal welfare commitments in its Programme for Government, and other measures to further improve animal welfare.

The plan also includes a broad range of ongoing animal welfare policy work, including statutory guidance for existing regulations, licensing of animal exhibits, welfare of animals in transport, and Codes of Practice. Finally, it describes how the Welsh Government will work collaboratively with the other UK governments to further the animal welfare agenda, for example through the forthcoming Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.

The Programme for Government commitments captured in the plan are:

To develop a national model for the regulation of animal welfare, introducing registration for animal welfare establishments, commercial breeders for pets or for shooting, and animal exhibits;

To Improve the qualifications for animal welfare inspectors to raise their professional status;
To require CCTV in all slaughterhouses;
To restrict the use of cages for farmed animals.
To mark the publication, the Minister will visit Greenmeadow Community Farm near Cwmbran.

Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “I’m very proud of what has already been achieved in Wales in animal welfare. But there is more to do. Our long-term ambition is for every animal in Wales to have a good quality of life. Today’s plan outlines steps towards achieving that ambition.

“We will work with all partners to take forward our commitments. This includes further boosting protection for pets by looking at registration of animal welfare establishments, enhancing the much-valued animal welfare inspection profession through improved qualifications, and looking at how we can minimise the use of cages for farmed animals.

“I’m also pleased to confirm that we will be requiring all slaughterhouses in Wales to have CCTV – while the vast majority already do we will ensure this is the case for all.

“Achieving a good quality of life for all animals is ambitious, but that is what we must aim for.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop said: “Well cared for animals are more often healthy and contented animals. Preventing disease and injury in the first place is always the better option. Having high animal welfare standards ensures their needs are met, whether they are companion animals or farmed livestock.

“The plan we are publishing today builds on what has already been achieved in the field of animal welfare, ensuring we continue to improve as we work towards the ambition of a good quality of life for all animals kept in Wales.”

Partnership working will be key to the success of the plan. A key component relates to the enforcement of current and future legislation and, in support of this, a Local Authority Enforcement Project, working in collaboration with Trading Standards Wales, is currently in its second year.

Strategic Lead and Trading Standards and Animal Health Manager for Monmouthshire County Council Gareth Walters has welcomed the plan. He said:

“The Local Authority Enforcement project has recently overseen the appointment of 8 new Animal Licensing Officers. They will offer crucial support required by Local Authority animal health services by providing a shared resource across Wales as a recognised point of expertise. The new officers will enable existing animal health officers to focus on wider animal health and welfare work.

“The forthcoming launch of an online information system may develop into a single point of reference for licence applications in support of the Welsh Government’s ‘National Model’ commitment, while the development of an animal licensing qualification will complement the Animal Health and Welfare professional qualification provided by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute launched earlier this year. These qualifications will provide the foundation which existing and future officers require to ensure knowledge and understanding, alongside access to specialised training where necessary”.

Community

Pembrokeshire beaches among the best for winter walks

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW research has revealed that two of the top five beaches to visit in Wales this winter are right here in Pembrokeshire.

The outdoor experts at GO Outdoors rated and ranked Wales’ best winter beach walks based on average rainfall, temperature, daylight hours, popularity, and visitor reviews. The results highlight Whitesands Bay and Marloes Sands as standout destinations for a festive season stroll.

WHITESANDS BAY Ranked second overall, Whitesands Bay near St David’s scored an impressive 8.50 out of 10. The beach is celebrated for its fine white sands and stunning views of the Welsh peninsula. During the winter months, the beach becomes a haven for dog walkers as restrictions are lifted, and visitors can take advantage of facilities including toilets and an on-site cafe.

MARLOES SANDS Coming in third place, Marloes Sands earned a score of 7.50 out of 10. Known for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic views of Skokholm and Gateholm Island, the beach offers a quieter alternative during the winter months. Visitors can explore the Marloes Peninsula Beach Walk, a 4-mile circular route that highlights the best of the area’s natural scenery. The surrounding area also boasts cosy accommodation options, such as Gupton Farm Surf Lodge.

Calum Jones, outdoor expert at GO Outdoors, said: “Although the cold weather may cause people to stay inside, there is no better time to explore the UK than the winter months. As crowds disperse, visitors to beaches often find themselves with miles of coastline to themselves. Some beaches remove car parking charges, and local eateries offer discounts during the off-season months.

“I would recommend wrapping up in the colder months, wearing base layers, and investing in a good waterproof jacket to ensure you can enjoy these beaches no matter the weather.”

THE TOP FIVE BEACHES

Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan – 9.26/10
Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire – 8.50/10
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire – 7.50/10
Three Cliffs Bay, Glamorgan – 7.31/10
Dunraven Bay, Glamorgan – 6.93/10

With Pembrokeshire featuring twice in the rankings, it’s clear that the county’s stunning coastline continues to draw visitors year-round. For those looking to enjoy a Boxing Day beach walk or a peaceful winter escape, Whitesands and Marloes Sands are two perfect options.

Crime

Soldier caught drink-driving nearly three times over the limit

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A SERVING soldier has admitted driving when he was almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

Alfred Kempton, 26, was observed by officers ‘swerving all over the road’ as he drove a white Renault Kangoo at Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest, just after 10:30pm on November 30.

When officers stopped the vehicle, they discovered Kempton’s eyes were glazed and there was a strong smell of alcohol. A roadside breath test proved positive, and subsequent tests at the police station revealed he had 102 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James described the reading as “very high.”

Kempton’s solicitor, David Williams, urged magistrates to refrain from imposing a community order, warning that it would result in Kempton’s dismissal from the army.

“He is one of only four people in his entire squadron with expertise in electronic warfare and signal intelligence,” said Mr Williams, adding that Kempton’s position was supported by two senior army officers who attended court.

Magistrates fined Kempton £1,141, ordered him to pay a £456 court surcharge and £85 costs, and disqualified him from driving for 24 months.

“This is a very high reading, and if it happens again, you will not be so lucky,” said the presiding magistrate. “You are now classified as a high-risk offender.”

Crime

Man jailed for stalking ex-partner with unwanted letters

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN who repeatedly contacted his ex-partner, despite being told their relationship was over, has been sentenced for stalking.

John McMichael, 36, pleaded guilty before Haverfordwest magistrates to stalking his ex-partner over a six-month period.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court that McMichael’s relationship with his ex ended in February due to violent behaviour and substance abuse issues.

Despite being told not to contact her, McMichael sent handwritten letters to her from prison between May and November. In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “Knowing that he is out is really frightening me… I just want him to leave me alone.”

McMichael’s solicitor, Jess Hill, argued the letters were not threatening but admitted his actions caused distress.

Magistrates sentenced McMichael to a 24-month Community Order with 30 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. A two-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from any direct or indirect contact with his ex-partner.