News

Six-Legged spaniel puppy abandoned in Pembroke Dock

Published

2 years ago

October 2, 2023

THE PEMBROKE DOCK community and Greenacres Rescue centre rally behind an 11-week-old spaniel pup, found abandoned and possessing unusual physical features, as inquiries into her abandonment commence.

In an unusual case capturing local attention, a black spaniel puppy, now named Ariel, was left abandoned in Pembroke Dock town centre, presenting not only a vulnerability due to her age but also due to her distinct physical characteristics – two additional rear legs and a possibility of two vulvas.

Ariel was discovered and subsequently brought to Medivet in Pembroke on September 27 by a concerned citizen, whose attempts to provide contact information proved fruitless due to an incorrect phone number. Given the pup’s unique and potentially complex medical needs, Sally Bland, the local authority dog warden, coordinated Ariel’s transfer to Greenacres Rescue, near Haverfordwest, for specialist care.

Mikey Lawlor of Greenacres Rescue recalled, “Sally informed us of the abandoned pup and her notable birth defects, prompting a unanimous decision for a thorough veterinary examination at Fenton Vets in Haverfordwest.”

The ensuing examination, performed by Dr Charlotte Biddle, was shrouded in uncertainties due to Ariel’s unknown history and distinctive physical traits. “Our investigations elucidated that Ariel boasts two additional hind legs and an embryonic second vulva,” Dr Biddle detailed. Anomalies with her pelvic formation, attributed to an extra hip joint, were also noted.

Despite the initial medical ambiguities, Ariel demonstrated a reassuring resilience and normal functionality during a meticulous 48-hour observation period. Furthermore, her apparent comfort around other dogs during her temporary foster care has been a heartening observation.

The aptly named Ariel – a nod to a mermaid-like semblance noted by a commenter – is scheduled for a reassessment in a month’s time, post-recovery from her initial ordeal. The prospect of multiple surgeries, including potential limb removal and further exploration of her pelvic region, looms in her future.

Meanwhile, a social media appeal has been instigated, aimed at uncovering both Ariel’s origins and identifying the individual who initially provided her to the vet, in a bid to clarify the circumstances surrounding her abandonment.

Ariel will continue to be sheltered in foster care until her subsequent assessment, placing additional financial demands on Greenacres Rescue. Mikey Lawlor expressed, “With our monthly bills for regular animal treatments already averaging around £20,000, instances like these undoubtedly impose a significant strain on our resources.”

Established in 2008, Greenacres Rescue, the only all-animal rescue centre in Pembrokeshire, remains dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals ranging from hamsters to horses. Donations towards Ariel’s veterinary costs or Greenacres’ operational expenses are encouraged and can be sent via their website or directly to Greenacres Rescue, Talbenny, Haverfordwest, SA62 3XA.

Crime

Jury told to continue deliberations in historic child sex abuse trial

Published

44 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge says majority verdict may be accepted after jurors report deadlock at Swansea Crown Court

A JURY has been told to continue its deliberations in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after indicating it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of oral rape and sexual assault of a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen.

At midday on Wednesday (Dec 18), the jury returned to court to say they were unable to reach a verdict on which all jurors agreed.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury that while he would be prepared to accept a majority verdict if at least ten jurors were in agreement, he still wanted them to continue deliberations in an effort to reach a unanimous decision.

The jury was then sent back out to continue considering its verdict.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.