Crime
Farm operators prosecuted for severe animal welfare violations at Cildywyll Farm
DEWI THOMAS, Dyfrig Thomas, and Eirlys Thomas, operators of Cildywyll Farm in Llanddowror, Carmarthen, have been prosecuted for severe breaches of animal welfare laws. This follows a previous conviction on 24 February 2023, when Eirlys and Dewi Thomas were prosecuted for unnecessary suffering of livestock, while Dyfrig Thomas received a formal caution.
The latest case originated from a May 2023 investigation by the Animal Health Department, in collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Dyfed-Powys Police, after anonymous complaints about the condition of animals on the farm.
On 31 May 2023, Animal Health Officers, a vet from APHA, and a Dyfed-Powys Police officer inspected Cildywyll Farm. They discovered severe neglect, including dogs and puppies roaming freely with no control over breeding, livestock living among carcasses, and severely ill cattle and pigs. One cow had an untreated swollen eye, while several dogs, including a Cocker Spaniel with protruding ribs, were found in hazardous conditions, feeding on rotting carcasses without proper food, water, or shelter.
SHOCKING CONDITIONS
In a barn, inspectors found decomposing carcasses alongside living animals, highlighting the lack of adequate care. The Thomas family, responsible for the farm’s operations, had not sought veterinary care for many of the animals, including unvaccinated puppies and animals with untreated illnesses.
As a result, the Thomas family received improvement notices and was required to address the immediate welfare needs of their animals. Pigs, dogs, and puppies were removed from the premises on welfare grounds. However, subsequent inspections revealed ongoing non-compliance, with further neglected animals found, including sheep with untreated injuries from a dog attack and discrepancies in farm records related to livestock deaths and movements.
Between February and September 2023, 144 bovine deaths were recorded at the farm, with 32 unaccounted for, raising further concerns about livestock management.
SENTENCING AND PENALTIES
During court proceedings, Judge DJ Layton stated: “History shows over the past years the family has neglected animals from pigs to dogs to sheep.”
He added: “This is a situation that resulted in the grandmother and father having a suspended sentence order, which is as close to prison as you can get, and Dyfrig Thomas got a caution, presumably due to his age, then as soon as the order was made, the situation continued, with dogs exposed to hazards and not having suitable beds, a sow wasn’t given water – a fundamental, basic need, puppies and adult dogs eating animal carcasses, pigs eating carcasses… It’s shocking.”
Dewi Thomas was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and was banned from keeping livestock for 5 years. Eirlys Thomas received a 12-month community order and a 5-year ban on keeping animals, while Dyfrig Thomas received a 6-month community order and a 2-year ban. The trio were ordered to pay £19,275.10 in costs, and livestock was confiscated under section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act.
ANIMAL WELFARE PRIORITY
As part of the legal action, multiple animals were removed from the farm and placed with local rescue services. The case underscores the Animal Health Department’s commitment to prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect.
Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, said: “This case demonstrates the seriousness with which we take animal welfare violations. The conditions uncovered at Cildywyll Farm were truly shocking, and we are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Animal welfare is a key priority for us, and we will continue to work to prevent suffering and protect the wellbeing of livestock across Carmarthenshire.”
Carmarthenshire County Council emphasizes that its Animal Health Officers are available to support farmers in need. For assistance, contact the Animal Health Team at 01267 234567 or email [email protected].
Crime
Man accused of racially harassing Haverfordwest town councillor
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been charged with the racially aggravated harassment of Haverfordwest town councillor Randell Turner-Thomas during an alleged incident in the town on August 6.
Lee Woodmass is accused of harassing Cllr. Turner-Thomas during an altercation in the town centre, causing him intentional harassment, alarm, or distress.
This week, Woodmass, 48, of Hywel Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge. He elected a Crown Court trial, and proceedings will commence on November 29.
Woodmass was released on conditional bail.
Crime
Pembrokeshire sex offender admits five breaches of prevention order
A REGISTERED Haverfordwest sex offender has been brought before a district judge after breaching his sexual harm prevention order on five separate occasions.
Appearing via a video link from Parc Prison, where he is currently on remand, Adrian Thomas, 31, admitted all five charges when he was brought before Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan informed Judge Layton that between January 21 and April 16, 2024, Thomas was in possession of more than one mobile phone and more than one SIM card at any single time. The sexual harm prevention order requires the defendant to notify Dyfed-Powys Police of any new phones and SIM cards he may acquire.
During the same dates, Thomas also set up a new email address in his mother’s name, despite failing to inform her of his actions, and failed to notify the police of the address at which he was residing.
“There is evidence that suggests he was using controlling behaviour towards his mother during this period of time,” said Sian Vaughan.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in sentencing Thomas and transferred the matter to Swansea Crown Court. Thomas will now be sentenced on November 12. He was remanded in custody.
Crime
Man admits causing serious injury to motorist in Pembrokeshire road collision
A 22-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire motorist has been sent to Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to causing serious injury to another motorist during a road collision in Crundale.
Joshua Gwilliam, 22, was driving along Chapel Road on January 11 when he lost control of his vehicle on a bend and ploughed into an oncoming vehicle driven by Mr. David James.
“The defendant’s vehicle was travelling far too fast into a bend, he was on the wrong side of the road, and the matter is further aggravated by the fact that there were drugs in his system,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
Gwilliam, of Brooklyns Close, Clarbeston Road, appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
“The victim has made a 90% recovery but still has two outstanding orthopaedic appointments in the new year,” continued Ms. Vaughan.
After listening to the facts, Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Gwilliam will be sentenced on November 12. Judge Layton requested an all-options pre-sentence report to be prepared and imposed an interim driving disqualification on the defendant.
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