Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Celebrations outside the Senedd as Wales bans brutal wildlife traps

Published

on

MEMBERS of the Senedd joined animal welfare campaigners from the League Against Cruel Sports this evening to celebrate a historic vote to ban snares in Wales.

It followed the unanimous passing of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill in the Senedd earlier today which contained measures to outlaw these cruel and indiscriminate wildlife traps.

Will Morton, head of public affairs at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The Welsh Government deserves huge credit for banning snares, inherently inhumane traps, which are completely incompatible with high animal welfare standards.

“Wales is leading the way in protecting wildlife from cruelty and we’re calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to follow their lead and ban these brutal devices.”

The attendees included 13 members of the Senedd as well as animal welfare campaigners from across Wales.

Up to 51,000 snares lie hidden in the countryside at any one time according to UK government figures.

They are used predominantly by shooting industry gamekeepers on pheasant and partridge shoots to trap wildlife.

The same Defra research show almost three quarters of the animals caught are not the intended target species. So, this will include hares, badgers and people’s pets.

Polling carried out by YouGov in Wales in January 2021 showed 78 per cent of the Welsh public wanted snares to be made illegal.

The ban will come into force two months after receiving royal assent so snares should become illegal in Wales later this year.

Will Morton added: “Today we are celebrating the move to end the cruelty inflicted on animals by the use of barbaric snares, something that will have the support of the vast majority of the Welsh people.

“It’s a fantastic move for animal welfare and we look forward to snares being banned in the rest of the UK soon.”

David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs, said: “The Agriculture (Wales) Bill has provided a massive opportunity to ensure that animal welfare is at the forefront of agriculture policy in Wales.

“It will be a truly momentous occasion for animal welfare to see snares and glue traps banned in Wales and we’re proud of our campaigning efforts in recent years that have helped make this a reality.

“We are also pleased to see the Bill could eventually provide financial incentives for farmers within the agriculture sector in Wales who work to high standards of animal welfare. Therefore, we are delighted to see this Bill has finally come to fruition – following tireless campaigning by RSPCA Cymru.”

A snare is a wire noose, usually attached to a stake, tree or another heavy object acting as an anchor. They are usually set to catch foxes or rabbits, but cannot distinguish between different species of animals – so are indiscriminate in what they catch. Since 2020, RSPCA officers have been called to attend 12 instances involving snares in Wales which had caught protected species such as badgers and in some cases, much-loved pets.

While self-locking snares are already illegal in Wales, others are not – but this legislation will prohibit the use of all snares, or any other cable restraint, for the purpose of killing or trapping a wild animal, or in any other way that is likely to injure a wild animal.

RSPCA Cymru is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares, and frontline officers sadly regularly deal with incidents where animals are found suffering in snares.

Glue traps – also known as ‘glue boards’ or ‘sticky boards’ – consist of a sheet of plastic, cardboard or wood coated with non-drying adhesive designed to trap rodents such as mice and rats as they cross the board.

Last year, the UK Government introduced a ban on glue traps in England with the law coming into force in April 2024 – however there are some exemptions to the ban under licence, with pest controllers still able to use them. In Wales there will be a complete ban – which will be the first of its kind in the UK.

The Welsh Government’s action on glue traps follows two Senedd Members putting forward RSPCA proposals to ban the use of glue traps into a Welsh Parliamentary ballot for Member-proposed legislation as part of the charity’s #LawsForPaws campaign. While they were not drawn from the hat, the Welsh Government later announced its own plans for a ban.

David added: “Snares and glue traps have no place in a modern and compassionate Wales. Both have the potential to cause immeasurable suffering to animals.

“On snares, this will be the first ban of its kind in the UK and will be a huge step forward in Wales and we are also pleased there are no exceptions to the glue trap ban. Too often, our officers have dealt with animals in severe pain and misery at the hands of these devices; which are cruel, indiscriminate and totally unnecessary.”

However, the legislation will not cover the continued sale of the traps across Wales.

“Although their use will be banned outright, there is still no law against buying these devices,” said David. “Because of this, the enforcement of the bans on the use of snares and glue traps will be key to ensuring that animals are protected from these traps, as intended by the Welsh Government.”

The Agriculture (Wales) Bill will also give Welsh Ministers powers to provide financial support for farmers following Wales’ withdrawal from the European Union. The RSPCA previously welcomed plans from the Welsh Government for a Sustainable Farming Scheme, which gave the strongest indication yet that farmers will be incentivised for delivering ‘the highest (animal) welfare standards’.

While the Agriculture (Wales) Bill grants Ministers with the relevant powers in this respect, there is no legal obligation for them to be used. However, RSPCA Cymru will now work with the Welsh Government on shaping the relevant payments scheme to ensure that farmers who adhere to higher welfare standards are rewarded for their efforts.

David added: “We’ve long said the Agriculture Bill offered the biggest opportunity in the history of devolution to improve farm animal welfare – and incentives for farmers to deliver higher standards will be key in doing that.

“We’ve given a big welcome to the latest announcement for the Sustainable Farming Scheme, and with the Agriculture Bill now published, we look forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure the standards incentivised best improve welfare, and learn lessons from established, trusted assurance labels like RSPCA Assured.

“While there’s a lot to welcome from the Bill, we are also keen to hear more from the Welsh Government on its plans for labelling animal derived produce as part of a drive to give consumers in Wales more information than ever before on what they are eating, where it has come from, and to what standards it was reared. With a UK Government consultation on this matter expected soon, a joined-up approach with other UK nations could inform consumer choice while encouraging the purchase of higher welfare produce in Wales.”

 

Crime

Three more arrested after 18-year-old dies in Gorseinon crash

Published

on

Five people are now in custody following a collision involving a car and an off-road motorcycle

THREE more men have been arrested after an 18-year-old died following a collision between a car and an off-road motorcycle in Gorseinon.

South Wales Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road at around 12:58pm on Thursday, where the teenager, who is believed to have been from Swansea, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with injuries.

Two 18-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday.

Police confirmed on Friday that a further three arrests had been made.

A 33-year-old man from Gorseinon was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 38-year-old man from Gowerton and a 38-year-old man from Mount Pleasant were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The latest arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with the investigation to five.

Several roads in the area remained closed on Friday morning while officers continued their investigation.

Cordons had been removed from some streets, although traffic cones, road signs and police tape remained at the roadside.

Gorseinon Rugby Club chairman Ian Murphy said the local community had been left in “deep shock”.

He said: “For youngsters to get involved in a tragedy like this is shocking and disturbing, very disturbing for us all.

“Everybody was talking about it. All the roads were closed by police and ambulances, so it took a while for it to sink in what was going on.

“We were aware that there might have been a chase involving a car and a motorbike, and the full tragedy unfolded from there.”

South Wales Police has not confirmed the circumstances leading up to the collision, and enquiries remain ongoing.

 

Continue Reading

Health

Hywel Dda patients waited average of 64 weeks for hip surgery

Published

on

Freedom of Information figures show more than 1,600 patients remained on the health board’s hip replacement waiting list in May

PATIENTS awaiting elective hip replacement surgery under Hywel Dda University Health Board waited an average of 450 days during the 2025/26 financial year, according to newly released figures.

The average wait was equivalent to just over 64 weeks, significantly longer than the treatment times set out under Welsh NHS targets.

The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted to the health board by private healthcare marketplace My Medical Gateway.

In Wales, the stated aim is for 95% of patients to begin treatment within 26 weeks of referral, with no patient waiting longer than 36 weeks.

Hywel Dda confirmed that 1,608 patients were on its waiting list for hip replacement surgery as of May 28, 2026.

The health board also said 16 patients had been removed from the waiting list during the 2025/26 financial year after choosing to undergo treatment privately.

Hip replacement surgery is most commonly offered to people experiencing severe pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, often after other treatments such as physiotherapy, pain relief, injections and lifestyle changes have failed to provide sufficient relief.

Sara Gezdari, Head of Investor Relations at My Medical Gateway, said prolonged waits could have a serious effect on patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

She said: “Many people join NHS waiting lists after already spending months or years attempting to manage their condition through physiotherapy, pain relief medication, injections and lifestyle modifications.

“By the time surgery is recommended, they are often already struggling. The true impact of waiting is measured not in weeks but in declining quality of life.”

She said patients waiting for surgery could experience increasing pain, disrupted sleep, reduced mobility, loss of independence, social isolation and worsening mental health.

Long waits could also have financial consequences, particularly for people whose employment relies on physical mobility.

Ms Gezdari added: “Many patients continue working despite severe symptoms. As pain worsens, productivity often falls. Some reduce their hours. Others leave work entirely.

“The consequences can be particularly significant for self-employed individuals who depend upon physical mobility to earn a living.”

My Medical Gateway said private hip replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £12,549 and £14,950.

The company, which connects UK patients with private hospitals in the European Union, said the average price offered by many European providers was approximately £9,088.

However, travelling abroad for medical treatment can involve additional considerations, including travel costs, insurance, post-operative care and arrangements if complications arise.

The Freedom of Information response was returned by Hywel Dda University Health Board on June 8, 2026.

 

Continue Reading

Education

Saundersfoot graduate secures teaching job before completing degree

Published

on

Local school placements helped Millie Brace gain the experience and connections needed to begin her career at Templeton Primary School

A SAUNDERSFOOT student is celebrating after graduating from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and securing a teaching job in Pembrokeshire before completing her degree.

Millie Brace graduated this week with a BA in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status from UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus.

She will begin her first teaching post at Templeton Primary School in September.

Millie said the opportunity to remain close to home and complete placements in Pembrokeshire schools had been a major factor in her decision to study at UWTSD.

“I chose UWTSD because it allowed me to stay close to my family and continue living at home while studying, which was important to me,” she said.

“Another key reason was the opportunity to complete local teaching placements.

“I knew how competitive teaching jobs can be in Pembrokeshire, so gaining experience in local schools was a great way to build professional connections and develop an understanding of the schools and communities I want to work in.”

Her placements allowed her to gain experience in a range of classrooms and helped her develop the confidence needed to apply for teaching roles.

“Before graduating, I was delighted to secure a teaching position at an amazing primary school in my local area,” she said.

Millie praised the support she received from university staff, school mentors and teachers during her final placement at Lamphey Primary School.

“Although I had not previously taught that particular year group, I received fantastic support from my class mentors and staff at Lamphey Primary School,” she said.

“Their knowledge and experience, combined with the research and understanding I developed through my course and assignments, greatly increased my confidence.”

Millie said the flexibility of the degree allowed her to explore subjects linked directly to her classroom experience and professional development.

“My favourite thing about the course was the flexibility of the assignments,” she said.

“They allowed me to explore topics that genuinely interested me and focus on areas that reflected my personal development targets from placements.

“This made the work feel relevant to my experiences in the classroom and helped me connect theory with practice.”

She also valued the sense of community at the Carmarthen campus and the friendships she formed with other student teachers.

“One of the biggest challenges during my studies was adapting to different placement schools and managing the increasing expectations placed on me as I progressed,” she said.

“Each school had its own routines, approaches and learning environments.

“What helped me most was the support of other student teachers. We shared resources, exchanged ideas and helped each other with lesson planning and preparation.”

Outside her studies, Millie continued to enjoy the Pembrokeshire coastline, spending her spare time paddleboarding, walking her dog and learning to surf.

She said she would recommend UWTSD to anyone considering a career in teaching.

“The course provided excellent placement opportunities, allowing me to gain valuable experience in local schools and build professional connections that helped me secure a teaching job before graduating,” she said.

“I have also made friends for life, and the relationships I built have been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience.”

Millie will now take the next step in her career when she joins Templeton Primary School at the beginning of the new academic year.

 

Continue Reading

Crime16 hours ago

Ann Widdecombe: Welsh politicians pay tribute as murder probe launched

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the former minister’s “conviction and dedication”, while political figures in Wales remembered her...

News20 hours ago

Solardo pulls out of Haverfordwest show as organisers offer full refunds

Headline act confirms non-appearance as Park House Series announces major event changes DANCE music duo Solardo will no longer perform...

Local Government21 hours ago

Conservatives win Pembroke Dock seat as Reform stalls and Dowson polls just 11

Jamie Street takes Market ward with a 43-vote majority as Reform finishes fourth despite its major Senedd breakthrough two months...

Health21 hours ago

Hospital ward closed after highly contagious scabies outbreak

Hywel Dda confirms wider rise in cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as patients and staff are offered treatment A...

Crime2 days ago

Teacher stabbing trial: The first week of evidence

Jury hears accounts of alleged planned classroom attack, teacher’s fear she was dying, and boy’s words after leaving school A...

Community2 days ago

Haverfordwest Castle refurbishment reaches new heights as roof goes on

Major milestone reached in project to transform historic gaol building into flagship visitor attraction A MAJOR milestone has been reached...

Business3 days ago

Pembrokeshire lands £98m share of Wales marine energy boom

New industry report says county has received the second highest level of marine energy investment in Wales, supporting more than...

Crime3 days ago

First aider tells jury teacher was “crying, shaking” after classroom stabbing

A SCHOOL first aider has told a jury that teacher Vicki Williams was “crying, shaking” and in “complete shock” after...

Crime4 days ago

Teacher feared she was dying after Milford Haven classroom stabbing

A TEACHER allegedly stabbed in the head at Milford Haven Comprehensive School told a jury she feared she was dying...

News4 days ago

Farage to resign as MP and fight Clacton by-election amid finance row

NIGEL FARAGE has announced he will resign as MP for Clacton and stand again in the by-election he intends to...

Popular This Week