Community

RSPCA spotlight on animal welfare

Published

11 years ago

December 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Snapshot: The Animal Welfare and Food Indicators reports on some of the most important farm animal welfare issues

THE MAJORITY of consumers think that the welfare standards of animals reared for food is important in their purchasing decisions, a new report from RSPCA Cymru has highlighted. RSPCA Cymru has brought together for the first time a collection of indicators that provide an insight into the welfare issues surrounding animals that are reared for food in Wales.

The Animal Welfare and Food Indicators report provides a snapshot of some of the most important farm animal welfare issues, including food labelling, non-stun slaughter, public sector procurement and live transport. The report intends not only to benchmark and demonstrate ‘where we are’ with animal welfare in food production in Wales, but also makes a series of recommendations with the aim of improving the lives of farm animals in Wales. In recent years, it is clear there has been growing concern in society regarding the treatment of animals in our food chain.

New polling from RSPCA Cymru found that a massive 80 percent of Welsh adults said the welfare standards of the animals reared is important in their purchasing decisions. Of those polled, 74% recognised at least one of the four main labelling schemes in Wales which self-define as providing higher welfare food, including the RSPCA’s Freedom Food scheme. RSPCA Cymru Head of External Affairs, Claire Lawson, said: “Increasingly, consumers want detailed information concerning how their food was produced.

Many people in Wales consciously seek to tailor their shopping habits with the aim of buying higher welfare products. Better labelling, however, is vital to ensure people have the information they need to make an informed choice, and can purchase food that meets higher welfare standards. RSPCA Cymru believes ‘Method of Production’ labelling should be introduced for all meat and dairy products.

This would place an emphasis on retailers to stock produce desired by their consumers.” The report calls for an end to nonstun slaughter and more than 2,300 people have already signed the charity’s petition in Wales, backed by the British Veterinary Association, urging an end to it. Current law in Wales requires animals to be stunned before slaughter, but exemptions exist for certain communities.

Expert opinion outlines how non-stun slaughter compromises animal welfare, and RSPCA Cymru believes the Welsh Government should therefore end existing exemptions. The charity also believes that the Welsh Government should introduce a requirement for all abattoirs in Wales to implement CCTV systems, to provide assurance and protect animals and staff.

As of 2011, there were 23 abattoirs operating in Wales. According to the Food Standards Agency, only 17 percent of these had CCTV in the stunning or bleeding areas. According to RSPCA Cymru’s poll, a massive 82 percent of the public in Wales support the introduction of CCTV in all slaughterhouses, and 80 percent of those polled support an end to non-stun slaughter, with 59% strongly in favour of this move.

RSPCA Cymru also recommends that the collective aim for the Welsh Government, producers, campaigners and the public should be to keep all live transportation to a minimum and, indeed, to cease all long-distance transport of live animals in favour of a ‘carcase-only’ trade. The report also explores the issue of public sector procurement and recommends that the Welsh Government should seek to mirror the National Assembly for Wales, which in September 2010 switched its procurement of egg and salmon products wholly to Freedom Food approved sources.

Rebecca Evans, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, said: “I welcome the publication of this new report from RSPCA Cymru, and am grateful for the work that they do alongside our farming communities, local authorities, and others, in the interests of farm animal welfare. The Animal Welfare and Food Indicators report clearly demonstrates that the people of Wales attach great importance to animal welfare standards when purchasing food.

In July, I was delighted to launch the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework which sets out how the Welsh Government, the farming industry, and others, must work to deliver on our vision of continuing and lasting improvements in standards of animal health and welfare for kept animals, while also helping to protect public health and making a contribution to the economy and the environment. I look forward to continuing to work with the RSPCA and others in the interests of animal welfare in food production.”

Community

Barcud Housing Assistant will walk over hot coals to raise funds for Charity

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BARCUD Housing Assistant, Amanda Evans, is a brave ‘sole’ as she has agreed to do a Firewalk to help raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, relies entirely on public donations to keep both the rapid response vehicles and helicopters running.

The firewalk is a sponsored walk with a difference! It might be the shortest and hottest walk, but it takes strength of mind to complete the challenge of walking five metres, barefoot, over hot coals which reach temperatures of up to 800°C!

Amanda has never done a Firewalk before but last year she changed her mindset and since then the word ‘no’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. She said, “Doing a Firewalk sounds awesome. I decided it would be a giggle to sign up on behalf of Barcud to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. Why not? It would be great to have a crowd at the Firewalk in Aberaeron to show support and cheer me on.”

Day to day Amanda works at Barcud’s office in Glyn Padarn, Aberystwyth. She works as part of a team with housing officers to provide support for tenants.

Barcud is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce and 4,500 tenants. This is the group’s first year of fundraising for a specific charity and at the annual colleague conference last winter the majority were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like Barcud, helped and supported those living rurally.

Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser said, “We’re delighted to be launching our firewalks this year on our special 25th anniversary year. Fundraisers will take on the ultimate challenge of walking over hot coals to helps save lives across Wales. This is a wonderful challenge aimed at all physical abilities and one that needs some courage.

“Walkers don’t need any previous experience to take part in the firewalk, as all the training will be provided on the day. We want to reiterate that this is not an activity to be tried at home and should only be done during a professionally organised event.

“The Charity relies on donations to continue to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraising events, like the firewalks, will help to continue this lifesaving service for the people of Wales. It will be an unforgettable day for the participants and their supporters.”

Amanda will be doing her Firewalk at Moody Meadows in Aberaeron from 6pm on Friday, 10th July 2026. Any donations to support Amanda, and Barcud reach its fundraising target of £5,000 would be very gratefully received. Click here to support Amanda online: https://firewalks.walesairambulance.com/amanda-evans

Community

Tesco expands free fruit and veg scheme to more Welsh schools

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New research suggests most children in Wales are still falling short of five-a-day

TESCO is expanding its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme across Wales after new research found that most children are not eating their recommended five portions a day.

The supermarket said only four out of 37 children in Wales, around 10.8%, eat their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day.

The research also found that almost a third of Welsh parents said their child refuses fruit and vegetables altogether.

Tesco said it will double the number of schools supported by the programme from September, with an ambition to double it again the following year.

The scheme currently provides funding to more than 500 schools across the UK with higher-than-average free school meal eligibility, allowing them to provide pupils with fruit and vegetables during the school day.

Since launching in 2024, the programme has already reached more than 188,000 children across the UK, with pupils consuming more than 15 million portions of fruit and vegetables in its first year.

This year’s expansion is expected to support more than 388,000 children across the UK.

Tesco said the programme is designed to help children try a wider range of fruit and vegetables, build confidence with healthy food, and encourage better eating habits.

The company said pupils taking part have already sampled more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables.

The research also suggested that choice and presentation can make a difference. More than three quarters of Welsh parents said their child is more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when they can choose them themselves, while many said making food fun or visually creative encouraged children to try more.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: “We’ve set out an ambition to help one million children get free fruit and veg through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits.

“Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has already made, so we’re delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that don’t support their health.

“Early food experiences matter, as they can help to shape children’s confidence, habits and long-term health outcomes.

“By helping children enjoy and regularly eat fruit and vegetables from a young age, programmes like Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”

Tesco is also inviting children to create fruit and vegetable-packed recipes as part of its Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, with the winning dish to be served in more than 1,500 schools.

The supermarket has set a target of helping one million school children across the UK access free fruit and vegetables through its school and community programmes by July 2029.

Community

Banking hub to open in Pembroke Dock library within days

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Temporary facility set to offer face-to-face banking support as permanent home is sought

A NEW temporary banking hub is expected to open in Pembroke Dock within the next week, offering residents and businesses access to everyday banking services following the closure of traditional high street branches.

The facility, which is being established inside Pembroke Dock Library, was visited this week by county councillor Jonathan Grimes and Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies, who received an update on progress from Debbie of Cash Access UK.

According to Cllr Grimes, the temporary hub is now nearing completion and will provide a valuable service to the local community, particularly for residents who still rely on face-to-face banking and cash services.

At present, it is understood that NatWest, Lloyds and Barclays will each have a dedicated day at the hub during the working week, with staff available to offer advice, support and assistance with account-related queries. Other banks are expected to be confirmed in due course.

Importantly, customers will not be restricted to using services only from their own bank. The hub will allow people from any banking provider to carry out routine transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits and other day-to-day banking needs.

The temporary facility will operate Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and will be based inside the library while plans continue for a permanent banking hub in the town.

Jonathan Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said he was pleased with the progress being made.

He said the temporary hub “already looks fantastic” and would be a “really valuable addition for the community.”

The long-term location for the permanent Pembroke Dock Banking Hub is still being finalised by Cash Access UK, with the permanent site expected to open within the next 12 months.

The move comes amid growing concern over the loss of high street bank branches across Pembrokeshire and the impact this has had on elderly residents, cash-reliant businesses and people without easy access to online banking.

Banking hubs have been rolled out across the UK to plug the gap left by branch closures, offering shared facilities where customers from different banks can access essential services under one roof.

Photo caption: New banking hub: Jonathan Grimes and Paul Davies receive an update on the temporary Pembroke Dock Banking Hub at Pembroke Dock Library (Pic: Supplied).