Community

Cats poisoned in Milford Haven: Community urged to stay vigilant

Published

6 months ago

May 29, 2024

A TRAGIC wave of cat poisonings has struck the Hakin area of Milford Haven, prompting urgent warnings from local veterinarians and distressed pet owners. Lowri Bamford Lewis has been forced to put down her family cat after it was poisoned by antifreeze. This heartbreaking incident follows a similar tragedy last year when another of her cats met the same fate.

Last Friday (May 24), Lowri took her ailing cat to All Pets Vet Care in Milford Haven. After running tests, the veterinarians confirmed that the cat had ingested antifreeze, leading to the painful decision to euthanise the pet. The family is devastated, having already endured the loss of another cat to antifreeze poisoning the previous year.

Lowri’s mother, Sharon Staples, shared their harrowing experience with The Pembrokeshire Herald. “Last year, my daughter took the cat straight to the vets after picking the kids up from school. The vet originally thought that the cat had fallen off a wall as he was displaying symptoms of concussion. The next day, the cat still wasn’t well, so the vets ran more tests and found the cat had been poisoned by antifreeze, which they said was done deliberately because no one would leave out antifreeze in the summer. They fought for days to save him, but he had to be put down.”

The family has faced considerable financial strain, with vet bills amounting to £1,100 this week and £1,600 last year. Despite this, they are more concerned about raising awareness and preventing further heartbreak. “It’s not fair on the children,” said Sharon. “The cat was more like a dog than a cat to the kids and followed them around the house. They had a really close bond.”

Sharon also mentioned that a neighbour on their street lost two young cats under similar circumstances. Given the number of cases, All Pets Vet Care issued a statement last summer, urging pet owners in the area to remain vigilant and recognise the symptoms of poisoning.

“Because it appears that the antifreeze is being put down deliberately, we’re urging anyone who suspects their cat may have consumed it to take them to their vet as soon as possible,” said a spokesperson for All Pets Vet Care. “The animals start displaying their first symptoms around 30 minutes after ingesting the poison, but sometimes cat owners are unsure whether to act promptly in case their symptoms are being caused by something else.”

The vets explained that initial symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include vomiting and excessive sleeping, which is contrary to a cat’s usual behaviour. Difficulty in breathing, extreme wobbliness, and seizures may follow. “Sadly, by the time it reaches the final stage, kidney failure has set in, so it’s invariably too late to save the animal,” added the veterinary spokesperson.

All veterinary practices in and around Milford Haven have been alerted to the issue and are advising cat owners to be especially cautious. Cats are attracted to antifreeze due to its sweet taste, caused by the chemical ethylene glycol. Even a small amount can be fatal, with just one teaspoon (1.4ml) being enough to kill a cat. The poison works rapidly, often proving fatal within 24 hours. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent irreversible, typically fatal, kidney damage.

The community is urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities that might endanger pets. The collective effort can help safeguard the beloved animals of Milford Haven from such cruel and preventable tragedies.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

13 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

23 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.