Crime

Four dogs in poor condition found at Pembroke Dock property

Published

2 years ago

December 10, 2024

A MAN has been sentenced after four dogs were discovered living in squalid conditions in a Pembroke Dock property, which was littered with rubbish and contaminated with faeces and urine.

The animals—a male chow, two bulldog-type dogs (one male and one female), and a male lurcher—were found in January 2024 in a state of neglect. Two of the dogs were confined to cages, with one described as being in an appalling condition.

The male chow, found with a matted coat contaminated with faeces, was in such poor health that he appeared unresponsive. The female bulldog-type dog, also in a cage, had no bedding or water, although dry dog food was present. The environment was described as filthy and unsuitable for any animals.

Court proceedings

Kane Robert Jake Watson (24), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act. He appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Nov 27), where he was handed a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. Watson was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work, pay £750 in costs, and was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Failure to care for animals

Watson admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the male chow and the female bulldog by failing to investigate and address their poor condition and weight loss. He also failed to provide necessary veterinary care for the bulldog’s skin condition. Additionally, he was found guilty of failing to meet the basic needs of all four dogs, including providing a suitable environment, fresh drinking water, and adequate care and supervision.

Inspector’s statement

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben attended the property on January 24, 2024, following a request from the local dog warden to conduct a welfare check.

“I entered the property, and the smell of dog faeces and urine made me cough,” said Inspector Hogben. “The environment was filthy, wet, and strewn with household rubbish. Dog faeces and urine were on the floor.”

He described finding the male chow in a cage without water and with a heavily matted coat. “The chow was in poor condition and smelled disgusting. The female bulldog in the adjacent cage was lean and had no water or bedding, although dry food was present.”

Two other dogs, a bulldog with a cherry eye and a lurcher, were found elsewhere in the property. While they appeared in better health, the environment was deemed unsuitable for them.

Outcome for the dogs

Following a veterinary assessment, the male chow and female bulldog were determined to be in a state of suffering. The chow’s health deteriorated further despite treatment, and he was humanely euthanized. The remaining dogs were taken into police care and rehomed.

This case highlights the serious consequences of neglecting animals and the importance of maintaining proper living conditions to meet their welfare needs.

Crime

Police appeal after reported rape at Young Farmers rally

Published

21 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.