Charity

More than 19k animal lovers call to end greyhound racing in Wales

Published

6 months ago

July 19, 2024

IN RSPCA open letter signed by an astonishing 19,715 people which calls for the end of greyhound racing in Wales has been delivered to the First Minister’s office.

The open letter, addressed to Vaughan Gething MS, the First Minister of Wales, stated that the thousands of signatories wish to see a phased end to the “outdated practice” in Wales in order to protect the welfare of countless dogs at risk of injury – or worse.

The RSPCA is part of the Cut the Chase coalition – which includes the Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue and Greyhound Rescue Wales – who have long expressed concern about the negative welfare consequences that racing and the greyhound industry has on the dogs involved. The regulated sector’s own figures show that between 2018 and 2023, 2,751 greyhounds died or were put to sleep for reasons other than natural causes or illness. (data covering England and Wales).

Meanwhile, more than 26,500 injuries were recorded from greyhound racing over the same time period*. The latest statistics from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) – which regulates Wales’ only track – show that the number of dogs involved in racing who died increased by 47% in 2023, further adding to the coalition’s concerns.

Wales could be the first nation in the UK to phase out the activity. Earlier this year, the Welsh Government carried out a 12-week consultation which is considering the future of greyhound racing. The consultation closed in March.

The Welsh Government has yet to publish the outcome of the consultation – and in the meantime dogs at the Valley Greyhounds Stadium in Ystrad Mynach continue to risk death or serious injury due to being knocked over or falling at speeds often in excess of 40mph.

Published results from races and trials at the Valley track, analysed by Greyhound Rescue Wales, shows that, between 3 March and 29 May this year, nine dogs were recorded as “fell” and 15 more were recorded as “knocked over”.

But these stats don’t show the full picture. Injury data from individual tracks and veterinary reports aren’t released publicly, so the exact welfare impact of the dogs who have fallen in races remains unknown.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Senior Public Affairs Manager in Wales said: “Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved. Running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs, and in some cases, the injuries are so severe that it is necessary for dogs to be put to sleep.

“There are only 10 countries in the world – including all UK nations – where commercial greyhound racing still goes on in 2024. But the Welsh Government now has a golden opportunity to commit to phasing out greyhound racing in Wales once and for all, sending an important message to the rest of the UK that they need to act to deliver a better life for greyhounds.

“We’d like to thank everyone who signed our open letter – we were delighted to have such a strong response and have more than 19,000 people support this cause. It really does show the strength of feeling there is about ending greyhound racing, and what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”

At its peak, there were 250 licensed tracks in the UK. Today, only 20* remain, with only one that is unlicensed in Great Britain.

The Cut the Chase coalition has called for greyhound racing to be phased out over the next five years, and remains committed to the welfare of the dogs involved in the industry during this time.

Phasing out greyhound racing in Wales is a major campaign priority for the RSPCA, as the charity marks its landmark 200th anniversary this year. Since its formation in 1824, the RSPCA has changed more than 400 laws for animals.

In reply to this story, a spokesperson from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which now regulates the Valley Greyhound Stadium, said:

“Since successfully becoming licensed under GBGB in Autumn 2023, the Valley Greyhound Stadium has been transformed and welfare standards have never been higher. A veterinary surgeon is now on site for all trialling and racing and new high-quality veterinary and kennelling facilities have been put in place.

“GBGB-registered greyhounds receive far more protections than domestic pet dogs. They benefit from a host of systems and regulations, from veterinary surgeons on site at all time and independent oversight of trainers’ residential kennels to a national programme of training for individuals involved in the sport. It is gratifying that, under our remit, we can help promote the highest standards of greyhound welfare at the Valley Stadium whilst preserving this historic pastime and local source of employment for Wales.

“We have been pleased to engage with key stakeholders in Wales in recent months on the high standards that exist within our licensed sport, as well as our commitment to driving improvements still further through our long-term welfare strategy ‘A Good Life for Every Greyhound. We will continue to support the Welsh Government’s consultation process on licensing of animal activities to be evidence-based.”

Charity

RSPCA issues advice as Storm Éowyn moves in across the UK from today

Published

24 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE RSPCA is urging animal owners to follow urgent advice to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe as the Met Office warns Storm Éowyn will bring very strong wind gusts across the UK from today (Thursday 22 January).

Most parts of England and Wales are likely to experience the storm with the Met Office predicting the worst impacts from Storm Éowyn to be felt early on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in southwestern parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall. This is forecast to quickly spread northeast to other parts of the UK during Friday morning.

Yellow weather warnings predict heavy rain will move from the west to east of England and Wales – bringing strong and gusty winds, expected to reach 50-60 mph (80-96 kph) over exposed coasts and hills, whilst amber weather warnings are in place in some locations for Friday (24 January), with wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour (145km per hour) along the northwest and northeast of England.

***Thursday’s wind warning (Image: MET OFFICE)***

The RSPCA has approximately 32 specially-trained officers and a fleet of emergency rescue boats that can be launched for water rescues of animals. The water rescue teams are trained to operate in fast-flowing and contaminated water, and can be called upon to assist in rescuing animals, people and provide assistance to communities affected by flooding.

Animal owners are advised to keep an eye on local forecasts and check for warnings, and the animal charity is also calling on people to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of animals – as rising water levels and strong winds take a toll on the natural habitats of wild fowl and other wildlife.

RSPCA Inspector Jason Finch, National Water Rescue Coordinator said: “It’s really important we once again help our animal friends get through this bout of bad weather this week, which could possibly lead to flooding and other damage caused by very strong gusts of wind. Animals must not be forgotten as the country prepares for Storm Éowyn.

“Floodwater can rise very quickly so if there is a flood warning in your area then act early – make sure you have a plan so that you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding.

“We have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe, and we’d urge animal lovers to help us by spreading these potentially lifesaving messages.

“In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough supplies for their needs. Horses or livestock in flooded fields is also a big concern whenever there is heavy rain forecast, so while we’ve not had to launch any rescues yet, we are urging pet owners and farmers to act now to ensure the safety of their animals.

“Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they can leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.”

RSPCA tips for pet owners during heavy rainfall and flood risk

Plan your escape route and keep contact details of people who can help you move your animals in an emergency;
Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency – if you have horses or livestock in field attach your contact details to gates so you can be contacted;
Make sure you have suitable carriers available for small animals and keep a supply of food in case of evacuation;
Bring small animals inside and, if possible, upstairs, and move food, bedding etc somewhere dry;
Put important documents in sealed bag along with photo of pet incase they get lost and ensure microchip details are up-to-date and registered;
Move livestock and horses to high ground and ensure you have emergency feed and water supplies;
If you have to leave your animals behind, leave them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. Leave notices on the outside doors to say there are animals inside and contact us or your local Flood Warden immediately to arrange rescue.

If the worst does happen and if flooding does leave animals in danger, members of the public should be careful not to take risks with their own safety by attempting animal rescues.

It is best to leave that to the experts. The RSPCA’s trained officers are equipped to deal with flood-stricken animals and work as part of Defra’s National Flood Response to help rescue stranded animals.

Jason added: “Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and instead call us and other response agencies for help in an emergency.”

Residents can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Wales residents should seek updates from Natural Resources Wales..

To see all RSPCA flood advice for small pets, horses and livestock, see the charity’s guide online: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/floods.

There’s information on the RSPCA website about what to do if you see an animal in distress.

Charity

Child of Wales Awards unveils headline sponsor and opens nominations

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ON the heels of a hugely successful event in Swansea in 2024, the Child of Wales Awards has announced its new headline sponsor and the official opening of nominations for its 2025 event, set for January 25, 2025.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, has entered into a year-long partnership with the awards. This partnership culminates in the annual ceremony that celebrates the achievements and resilience of Wales’ young people while raising funds for children’s charities across the nation.

A community-focused partnership
With a network of 62 sites across the UK, Ascona Group serves more than 300,000 customers weekly and employs over 850 people. Recognized as one of the top 10 independent forecourt operators in the UK, the company has a strong commitment to supporting local communities.

Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona Group, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the 2025 Child of Wales Awards. It’s a privilege to support an event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of young individuals and their families across Wales. The awards shine a light on inspirational stories of courage and determination, and we are proud to play a part in recognizing these incredible children. At Ascona Group, our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and supporting the Child of Wales Awards is a huge honor.”

Recognising extraordinary achievements
Now in its fourth year, the Child of Wales Awards will once again honor the remarkable accomplishments of young people across the nation. The event promises to be an emotional and inspirational evening, attracting media personalities, celebrities, sports stars, and entertainers to the Swansea Arena.

The awards feature 11 categories celebrating personal courage, sporting and creative achievements, environmental activism, community service, and fundraising efforts. Nominations are open to children under 18 based in Wales, and submissions are free. Eligible nominees include those who have overcome illnesses, disabilities, bullying, or discrimination, or who have excelled in sports or the arts despite significant challenges.

How to get involved
Nominations can be submitted via the Child of Wales Awards website, where full details of the categories are available. A panel of judges, comprising representatives from award sponsors, celebrities, and independent advisors, will have the tough task of selecting the winners.

Businesses across Wales continue to lend their support to the awards. Alongside Ascona Group, other sponsors include Blue Tiger Marketing, Mrs Bucket, Swansea Building Society, Trade Centre Wales, Gower College, Castell Howell, Princes Gate, Westacres, and Team Wales. Opportunities remain for businesses to sponsor categories, purchase tables, or donate auction prizes to support the event.

Founder Blanche Sainsbury expressed her excitement about the 2025 awards, saying:
“After the success of the 2024 event, we are thrilled to partner with Ascona Group and open nominations for the Child of Wales Awards 2025. These awards highlight an extraordinary group of young people who inspire those around them with their courage and determination. We’re excited to return to Swansea Arena and look forward to announcing the incredible performers who will join us in celebrating these young stars. We invite businesses to get involved and join us in honoring the real heroes of Wales – these amazing children.”

To sponsor the event, book a table, or donate an auction prize, contact Blanche Sainsbury at [email protected].

The Child of Wales Awards 2025 promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the resilience, determination, and compassion of Wales’ most inspiring young people.

Charity

Women take on Three Peaks Challenge to support mental health services

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TEN inspirational women are set to tackle the iconic National Three Peaks Challenge on June 7, 2025, to raise vital funds for PATH – Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless.

Motivated by the support they received through free counselling provided by Pathway Counselling, these women are embarking on this ambitious challenge to help fund mental health services offered by the charity.

The gruelling challenge, organised by Lucy Brazier with the support of Aspire Fitness and Charlotte Neill, will see the group climb the three highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Snowdon in Wales (1,085m) – all within a 24-hour timeframe. In total, the event involves 23 miles of walking and 450 miles of driving between the mountains.

Lucy Brazier, the organiser, expressed the group’s determination to succeed in this challenge, stating: “We are doing this to give back to the services that helped us through difficult times. Mental health support is crucial, and we hope our efforts will make a difference to others who need help.”

The challenge is not just a test of physical endurance but also a significant fundraising effort. Donations can be made through the group’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/nationalthreepeaks.

PATH has been instrumental in supporting individuals struggling with homelessness and mental health issues across Pembrokeshire. The funds raised will ensure the continuation of essential services that positively impact lives.

The team is calling on the community to rally behind them and support their mission. Every donation, no matter how small, will help them reach their goal and make a difference.

For more updates on the challenge and to show your support, visit the JustGiving page and follow PATH’s social media channels.