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Scale of fox cub hunting at Welsh hunts revealed

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NEW figures released today by the League Against Cruel Sports expose the widespread practice of fox cub hunting in Wales this autumn, despite a ban on fox hunting that has been in place for nearly 20 years.

Cub hunting, a practice in which hounds are trained to kill by targeting young foxes, is a prelude to the main fox hunting season. The League’s data reveals a disturbing pattern of nine foxes seen being pursued, 11 cases of suspected illegal cub hunting, and 33 reports of hunts causing disorder in Welsh rural communities between August 1 and October 31, 2024.

The Flint and Denbigh Hunt stands out as a major offender, with reports indicating that its members chased seven foxes, engaged in nine suspected illegal hunts, and caused community disturbances on 21 occasions – the highest numbers recorded across the UK.

John Petrie, Senior Campaigns Manager for the League Against Cruel Sports, stated: “As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Hunting Act, these figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen the law. Allowing hounds to pursue and kill fox cubs in the Welsh countryside is abhorrent to most of the public. The law needs revision to eliminate exemptions, outlaw ‘trail hunting,’ and introduce custodial sentences for serious hunting crimes.”

Incidents categorized as suspected illegal cub hunting include instances where foxes were visibly pursued by hounds, signs of hounds marking foxes that have gone to ground, and cases where terriers were used to flush out foxes from underground dens.

Reports of “hunt havoc” include hounds straying onto roads, livestock harassment, damage to badger setts, pet attacks, and other wildlife disturbances. According to the League, if hunts were truly following pre-laid trails as claimed, none of these incidents would occur.

Data for both England and Wales highlights a total of 106 fox chases, 127 suspected cub hunts, and 315 cases of rural havoc caused by hunts, with the Flint and Denbigh Hunt ranking as the third worst offender across both nations.

John Petrie added: “Fox hunting continues, effectively unchanged, despite the ban. We urge the UK Government to make this fox hunting season the last, bringing an end to cub hunting for good.”

To report animal cruelty, contact the League’s Animal Crimewatch service at 0300 444 1234, via email at [email protected], or WhatsApp at 0755 278 8247.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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