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

Serial offender due in court for knife and theft charges

Published

3 minutes ago

April 17, 2025

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE man is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 22) after admitting to a string of offences including possession of a knife, shoplifting, and criminal damage.

Rowan Clark, 24, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty last month to ten separate offences committed in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock between September 2024 and March this year.

One of the most serious charges relates to an incident on January 4, when Clark was found in possession of a large knife on King Street, Pembroke Dock. He had no lawful excuse for carrying the weapon.

Clark will also be sentenced for failing to surrender to bail at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 25.

Between February and March, Clark stole alcohol and groceries on multiple occasions from local shops including SPAR and Bush Hill Service Station. The thefts included:

Alcohol worth £27.20 on February 18
Groceries worth £21.57 on February 11
Alcohol worth £24.00 on March 8
Alcohol worth £27.20 again on February 18
Groceries worth £34.33 on February 11
Alcohol worth £27.20 on March 18

He also admitted tampering with a car in Pembroke on February 19, with intent to commit theft, and failing to attend a required drugs assessment after a positive test for cocaine.

On September 16 last year, Clark damaged windows valued at over £600 belonging to Pembrokeshire County Council.

He has denied a further charge of criminal damage, which alleges he caused £62 worth of damage to the offices of Greathead and Whitelock Solicitors in Pembroke on April 27, 2024. That matter remains unresolved.

Clark is currently on bail and is due to appear before magistrates for sentencing on Tuesday. The court previously ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

News

Campaign spending rules updated ahead of next Senedd election

Published

47 minutes ago

April 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

NEW rules on how much political candidates and parties can spend during Senedd elections have been announced by the Welsh Government.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, issued a written statement on Thursday (Apr 17), confirming that campaign expenditure limits are being revised ahead of the next Senedd election in 2026.

The changes come as Wales prepares to implement a new electoral system, with the existing limits considered no longer suitable due to the move away from multi-member regions and single-seat constituencies.

The proposed limit for individual candidates will be set at £52,500. This figure is recommended by the Electoral Commission and will be formalised in the forthcoming Conduct Order, which will establish the rules for how Senedd elections are run. This same amount will also apply to a party list consisting of just one candidate, ensuring fairness across the board.

For registered political parties, spending limits will be revised under draft regulations that are expected to be introduced in the Senedd during the Summer term. These will fall under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

Under the proposals, a party list with one candidate will also be capped at £52,500. However, this amount will increase by £3,500 for every additional candidate on the list, up to a maximum of £70,000 for parties with six or more candidates.

The Electoral Commission has given its support in principle to the new limits, although formal consent can only be granted once the full regulations are completed.

Both the Conduct Order and the draft expenditure regulations will be laid before the Senedd alongside explanatory memoranda, detailing how the new limits were established.

Ms Bryant said she welcomed further scrutiny of the proposals when Member