Crime

Farm operators prosecuted for severe animal welfare violations at Cildywyll Farm

Published

2 years ago

October 23, 2024

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.

***Cildywyll Farm in Llanddowror, Carmarthen*** ***(Pic: Google)***

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

Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court

Published

57 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared before magistrates accused of making a bomb hoax and assaulting police officers.

Anthony Mold, 38, of Sandy Road, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Mold is charged with communicating false information by alleging that a bomb or other explosive substance was present at Dafen Police Station.

The allegation relates to an incident on May 6 this year.

The defendant also faces charges of assaulting two police officers, damaging a police vehicle, and breaching a Community Protection Notice.

Court records show the damage charge relates to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Mold entered guilty pleas to the offences before the court.

District Judge M Layton remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports ahead of sentencing.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, July 2, when Mold is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Crime

Carmarthenshire pensioner, 86, accused of causing prostitution for gain

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

AN 86-YEAR-OLD Carmarthenshire pensioner has appeared before magistrates accused of causing or inciting prostitution for gain.

Hywel Charles, of Rhandirfelin, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Charles is charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 with intentionally causing or inciting another person to become a prostitute for, or in expectation of, gain for himself.

The allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place at Llanelli on October 9, 2025.

Complainant protected

The complainant in the case is protected by automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

Charles appeared before District Judge M Layton at a ground rules hearing.

He was represented by John Allchurch, of Goldstones Solicitors, while Nia James prosecuted for CPS Wales.

The defendant was remanded on conditional bail.

He must not contact a named person directly or indirectly.

Charles is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 6, for a further case management hearing.

Crime

Children most at risk in Dyfed-Powys TikTok-linked crime cases

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOI data reveals forty-two under-18 victims as police record more than 130 incidents mentioning the platform

CHILDREN were the largest group of victims in Dyfed-Powys crimes where TikTok was mentioned, new Freedom of Information figures have revealed.

Data obtained by JF Law shows that Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 131 TikTok-linked violence, stalking and harassment offences between 2023 and 2025.

Of those, forty-two victims were under the age of eighteen.

Pembrokeshire recorded 32 incidents over the three-year period, with eight in 2023, thirteen in 2024 and eleven in 2025.

Across the force area, Carmarthenshire recorded the highest number of incidents, with 51. Powys recorded 29 and Ceredigion recorded thirteen.

Stalking and harassment made up the vast majority of the Dyfed-Powys cases, accounting for 128 of the 131 offences. Three were recorded as violence with injury.

Wales-wide concern

The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests covering Welsh police forces.

South Wales Police recorded the highest number, with 2,034 crimes where TikTok or Tik Tok was mentioned in police records between 2023 and 2025.

Those figures rose from 488 in 2023 to 656 in 2024 and 890 in 2025.

Gwent Police recorded 373 incidents, while North Wales Police recorded 199.

The North Wales data included cases of harassment, malicious communications, blackmail, sexual grooming, sexual activity involving a child under sixteen, exposure and voyeurism, and threats to kill.

Police forces stressed that the figures do not mean TikTok caused the crimes. The data relates to cases where the platform was mentioned in the modus operandi field or investigation summary.

‘Digital hunting ground’

Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority specialist at JF Law, said: “The sheer volume of these cases is a stark warning to parents and authorities alike.

“We are seeing everyday platforms being weaponised by predators to target our youngest and most vulnerable, turning what should be a harmless online space into a digital hunting ground.

“The trauma inflicted by cyber-stalking, harassment, and online-facilitated abuse has profound, real-world consequences that can completely shatter a family’s sense of security.”

She added: “It is crucial that victims know there are concrete legal avenues available to fight back.

“Nobody should have to navigate this nightmare in silence, and we are committed to helping survivors secure the protection, justice, and support they need to move forward.”

JF Law provides legal support and advice to those affected by online harassment, abuse and related crimes. Their website is www.jflaw.co.uk.