A SCHEME to convert a disused care home next to a Pembrokeshire castle to a house has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Carwyn Rees seeks permission for the conversion of the former Castle View Rest Home, Llawhaden, near Narberth; the property vacant since 2021 and no longer run as a care provider.

The property is situated next to medieval Llawhaden Castle, within the village’s conservation area.

A supporting statement says: “As part of this application, there are no proposed physical changes to the exterior of the property therefore there would be no detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of visual impact.  Regarding residential amenity, it is considered unlikely that the proposed change of use would increase the number of visitors to the building from the historical use of the property.

“The access and parking is to remain the same, it is likely there will be a large reduction in traffic from its use as a care home.”

It adds: “This application is for residential development which would have positive economic and social benefits through employment generation and additional housing stock built to improved environmental standards. The proposed development makes use of an existing building without external alteration.

“The residential home closed down in April 2021 and has been on the market for sale for some time with no interest in being re-opened as a residential care home.

“In addition, the property would require complete renovation and alterations to the room sizes to meet the new regulations as set by any residential care facility under new registrations with Care Inspectorate Wales.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The nearby castle was built by the bishops of the Diocese of St David in the 13th century, later abandoned in the 16th century, with some of its stone removed for local building projects.

Animal welfare crisis ‘still felt on huge scale’ five years after first lockdown

FIVE years on from the first UK lockdown, the RSPCA says the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on animal welfare — with record levels of abandonment and rising concerns over pet care.

The charity says it is still dealing with the fallout from an increase in impulse pet purchases during lockdown, limited socialisation opportunities for young animals, and the ongoing cost of living crisis — all of which have placed “enormous challenges” on pets, owners, and rescue services.

Abandonment at record high

Last year, the RSPCA received 22,503 reports of animal abandonment — the highest annual figure since the pandemic began.

With rescue centres stretched beyond capacity, the charity is currently paying for 1,220 animals to be housed in private boarding while they wait for a space at one of its facilities.

Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, said: “While many pets found amazing new homes during the pandemic, we know not all animals were so lucky.

“The boredom of lockdown, and people’s temporarily changed lifestyles — including increased loneliness — may have led to a surge in impulse pet purchases. Sadly, as the reality of veterinary bills, behavioural issues, and juggling care with work set in, some owners were no longer willing or able to cope, and in some cases turned to extreme measures like abandonment.”

She added: “Five years on from that first lockdown announcement, the impact for animals is still being felt on a huge scale.”

Behavioural and health concerns

The effects of lockdown restrictions were not limited to abandonment. Routine veterinary care — including neutering, microchipping, and health check-ups — was often delayed, and vital socialisation opportunities for young pets were missed.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, there were 44,900 Google searches in the UK for “Can I give my dog paracetamol?”, raising concerns that more people are turning to self-treatment rather than seeking professional advice.

Dr Gaines explained: “Socialisation and structured training are critical for young dogs, but during lockdown, puppy classes and group activities were unavailable. We are now seeing the behavioural issues that resulted from that, and many owners are struggling.”

The charity also urged local councils during the pandemic to ease Public Spaces Protection Orders to help people access walking areas, but long-term issues around accessing and affording care have persisted.

“With vets halting non-urgent procedures during the pandemic, some owners may have become used to skipping appointments or trying to self-prescribe — especially now with the cost of living so high,” said Dr Gaines.

Cost of living pressures

The cost of living crisis, which experts say was exacerbated by the pandemic, continues to impact pet owners.

According to the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index:

• 36% of pet owners changed their behaviour due to financial pressure in the past year.
• 15% said they regretted owning a pet in 2024.
• 78% said it is now more expensive to care for their animals.

Dr Gaines said: “The crisis has been one of the most challenging events for companion animal welfare in recent memory. We’ve created a cost of living support hub and expanded our Pet Food Bank scheme — but it’s still incredibly tough for many families.”

Changing attitudes among younger people

The RSPCA also expressed concern over shifting attitudes towards animals, particularly among younger people.

The Animal Kindness Index found those aged 18-24 were:

• Less likely to identify as animal lovers (57% compared to 68% overall),
• More likely to accept dressing up animals for fun (33% vs. 16%),
• More tolerant of breeding animals with genetic health issues (14% vs. 7%),
• More accepting of animals being used in TV entertainment (23% vs. 16%).

Pandemic chicken trend turns sour

The impact has also extended beyond pets. Poultry ownership saw a brief spike during the pandemic, with many households taking on chickens as a “lockdown fad.” However, the RSPCA has since received reports of chickens being abandoned as the novelty wore off.

Beth Winspear, from the charity’s farm animals team, said: “Chickens can make wonderful companions, but some owners didn’t realise the level of care needed. Sadly, some birds were simply abandoned.”

Encouraging people to make compassionate food choices has also become more difficult as households cut costs.

“Despite economic pressures, we’re still seeing strong support for higher welfare meat, eggs, and dairy,” said Ms Winspear. “Two-thirds of consumers say they try to buy higher welfare produce, and sales of RSPCA Assured products continue to grow. Even small swaps can make a real difference.”

Signs of hope

Despite the challenges, the RSPCA believes that “people power” can help create a kinder future for animals.

Polling shows 68% of Brits consider themselves animal lovers, and many are taking action to help — from adopting rescue pets to supporting campaigns and sharing animal welfare advice.

Dr Gaines said: “While it’s been a tough five years for animals, there are so many ways people can make a positive difference. From volunteering to backing campaigns and choosing rescue pets, we can create a world where all animals are treated with compassion.”

The charity is also urging members of the public to take part in its consultation on the future of animal welfare.

Animal Futures: The Big Conversation invites people to share their vision for a better world for animals and humans alike. More information is available on the RSPCA website.

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PRESELI Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has raised concerns over the latest
Bovine TB statistics published by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food
& Rural Affairs.

The latest statistics show that 4,580 cattle were slaughtered in 2024, a 24.11% increase on
the previous year’s figure of 3,690.
 
The total number of cattle slaughtered in Wales was 13,034.
 
Mr Davies said, “The latest Bovine TB statistics show that more and more cattle are being
slaughtered in Pembrokeshire and it’s a huge concern.”
 
“The figures show the Welsh Government’s policy for tackling Bovine TB simply isn’t working
and a more holistic approach must be considered.”
 
“Bovine TB has plagued farmers in Pembrokeshire for years, at a huge economic and
emotional cost.”
 
“Cattle cannot continue to be slaughtered in their thousands, it’s not sustainable and farmers
are right to be angry about these latest statistics.”