News

Animal welfare boost as CCTV becomes mandatory in Welsh abattoirs

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2024

ALL abattoirs in Wales will be required to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems by May 1, pending approval from the Senedd. This regulation follows a successful campaign spearheaded by RSPCA Cymru and is poised to ensure the humane treatment of animals at the time of slaughter.

The Welsh Government’s decision to develop these regulations came after a consultation process initiated last May, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards. This step was propelled forward by an extensive campaign from RSPCA Cymru, reflecting the organization’s long-standing advocacy for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses to safeguard animal welfare.

For the regulations to take effect, they must first gain approval from Senedd Members. Once enacted, abattoir operators will be obligated to maintain recorded footage for a minimum of ninety days and ensure its availability to authorized personnel. This requirement is scheduled to be enforced starting in November, contingent upon legislative approval.

The push for CCTV installation in slaughterhouses has garnered substantial public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming response during the 12-week consultation period. A total of 15,943 submissions were received, voicing strong backing for the measure, out of 16,014 responses overall to the consultation.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, expressed the organization’s satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing the critical role of CCTV in protecting animal welfare and reinforcing public confidence in food safety and animal husbandry practices. Thomas also extended gratitude to the thousands who supported the RSPCA’s campaign, underscoring the public’s vested interest in animal welfare.

This regulatory milestone in Wales reflects a growing recognition of the importance of animal welfare in the agriculture industry. It aligns with the RSPCA’s farm animal welfare standards, which already mandate CCTV in slaughterhouses under the RSPCA Assured certification scheme. England has observed similar regulations since November 2018, illustrating a broader trend towards enhanced animal welfare practices in the UK.

In conjunction with its 200th anniversary, RSPCA is keen on inspiring a million people to join their movement aimed at improving the lives of animals. This regulation marks a significant step towards that goal, illustrating the power of advocacy and public support in effecting meaningful change.

For further details on the consultation results and to learn how to join RSPCA’s mission for better animal welfare, visit the official government and RSPCA websites respectively.

Ends – Diwedd

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

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

Published

5 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.