Council awarded control of animals after magistrates hear claims of unlicensed breeding

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm owner has appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after 26 dogs were removed from her care under animal welfare legislation.

Rachel Roberts, of Penlan Oleu, Puncheston, appeared in court on Friday (May 1) in relation to an application brought under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following action by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that 26 dogs had been taken into possession, including spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, chihuahuas and six puppies.

It was alleged in court that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without the appropriate licence, and that some animals had not received the correct vaccinations.

Magistrates granted the application, allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to take control of the dogs and make decisions about their future, including rehoming.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £99,463.35 in costs to the council.

RSPCA investigation

An RSPCA investigation was reportedly opened last year after images emerged of horses said to be in poor condition.

The Herald has also been contacted by a concerned member of the public, who provided videos and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The source further alleged that a person staying at the property had witnessed a horse being dragged by its neck using a tractor.

These claims have not been independently verified by The Herald.

Wider allegations

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

The paper understands that Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, has previously appeared before the courts in connection with dog-related offences.

Roberts, 36, was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from owning animals for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident in Hanwell, near Banbury, on March 26, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi.

At the sentencing hearing, Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

A HAVERFORDWEST church which has served the town for more than 150 years has launched an urgent appeal for help with essential building work.

St David and St Patrick’s Catholic Church is seeking to raise £3,000 towards repairs to its ageing roof and building structure.

The church, which dates back to 1872, says the work is needed to protect both the historic building and the community services based there.

The appeal has been launched by Helen Johnson through GoFundMe, with the fundraiser saying the church remains an important place of worship, welcome and support for people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The building was designed by Richard Williams of Carmarthen and has been part of Haverfordwest life for generations.

Alongside its religious role, the parish and volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society support local families, elderly residents and vulnerable people facing poverty, loneliness and hardship.

Weekly lunch clubs provide warm meals, friendship and a place for people to meet and socialise.

The appeal says that without urgent financial support, maintaining the church and continuing this community work will become increasingly difficult.

The fundraiser states: “Every donation, no matter how small, will help preserve this historic church and the community support it provides for future generations.”

As of Wednesday (May 20), the appeal had raised £10 towards its £3,000 target.

If you can donate, click HERE.

COMMUNITY enterprise 4CG is looking for a new project to take on its warehouse space in Cardigan after 12 years with its current occupants.

Fresh opportunity

The co-operative, based at Pwllhai, has announced that Jenny and Cam from CCM will be leaving the 4CG warehouse this September.

4CG said the pair had been “at the very heart of the local community” for more than a decade, and thanked them for their work and contribution to Cardigan.

The move means the warehouse space will become available from September, creating what 4CG describes as an exciting opportunity for a new community-minded project.

The organisation says it wants to hear from people with “real vision and fresh energy” — whether they already have a full business plan or only the beginnings of an idea.

Community focus

Any proposal will need to give something back to the town and surrounding community.

Those interested are being asked to email their ideas to Anna Mounteney at [email protected].

4CG Cymru Ltd was established in 2010 as a co-operative, community-owned enterprise dedicated to the regeneration of Cardigan and the surrounding area.

The organisation owns and develops local assets including car parks, retail spaces, workshop units and community hubs, with the aim of keeping wealth in the local economy, supporting independent entrepreneurs and promoting the culture and heritage of the town.