News

First Minister considers legislation to protect seals during pupping season

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2023

FIRST Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has expressed his willingness to consider legislation aimed at safeguarding seals during their vulnerable pupping season. This decision comes after Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member, Paul Davies, raised concerns voiced by residents of Moylegrove in North Pembrokeshire. The residents had been urging the Welsh Government to align with other parts of the UK where similar protective measures are already in place.

Paul Davies, the advocate behind this initiative, announced on October 24 that he had secured a commitment from the First Minister to explore the possibility of enacting legislation to shield seals from disturbance during their crucial pupping season. Davies, who recently visited Ceibwr Bay with concerned residents, emphasized the necessity of such legislation, especially considering the absence of comparable laws in Wales, unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“It’s a highly sensitive time for the species,” Davies explained, “and yet unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland, there is no legislation in Wales to protect seals from disturbance. It’s vital that the Welsh Government uses all the tools at its disposal to ensure that these animals are protected as much as possible.”

During a session at the Senedd in Cardiff, Davies voiced the worries of Moylegrove residents directly to the First Minister. He highlighted the distressing disturbance faced by seals during pupping season and called for immediate action to bring Wales in line with the rest of the UK, where effective legislation protects these marine mammals.

In response, First Minister Mark Drakeford acknowledged the beauty of seals along the Pembrokeshire Coast, attracting numerous visitors. He acknowledged the need to balance this tourism aspect with the essential protection of seals during their sensitive pupping season. “Making sure that seals are not disturbed during the pupping season is a genuine objective that is shared by the Welsh Government,” stated Mr. Drakeford. “I’m very happy to give a commitment that we will pursue the points the member has made.”

Paul Davies MS expressed his satisfaction with the First Minister’s willingness to consider legislation, highlighting the pivotal role played by Moylegrove residents in bringing this issue to the attention of the Welsh Parliament. He commended their efforts and stressed the importance of aligning Welsh practices with the effective legislation already established in other parts of the UK.

“I’m pleased that the First Minister has agreed to consider legislation on this serious animal welfare issue,” Davies remarked. “It’s thanks to the residents of Moylegrove that this is on the Senedd’s radar, and they should be commended for their efforts to bring this matter to the attention of the Welsh Parliament.”

Davies also reassured the public that he would continue to work closely with the concerned group to ensure that any legislation introduced would be appropriate and effective in its purpose – safeguarding seals from disturbance during their vulnerable pupping season.

This significant step towards protecting marine life reflects the growing awareness and commitment to animal welfare in Wales. As the Welsh Government explores the possibilities of enacting protective legislation, the future appears promising for the seals along the picturesque Pembrokeshire Coast.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.