Community

RSPCA Cymru urges public to ‘Help Quieten the Noise’ this fireworks season

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2025

Charity highlights impact of loud displays on pets, livestock and wildlife

RSPCA Cymru has made an urgent plea for people across Wales to be a ‘Kind Spark’ this fireworks season — by thinking of animals before lighting up the sky.

The charity is asking the public to talk with neighbours about any planned fireworks and to consider how noise can affect animals ranging from pets to livestock and wildlife.

Six million households to light fireworks

Recent polling suggests an estimated 6.16 million households across Wales and England plan to set off fireworks this season. The figures have prompted renewed calls from RSPCA Cymru for responsible use and community cooperation.

Fifteen local authorities in Wales have already taken proactive steps to mitigate the negative impact of fireworks, including publicising displays in advance and promoting quieter alternatives.

The charity wants more councils to adopt motions urging the UK Government to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks that can be sold, and to support greater local control.

‘Thousands of animals suffer’

Billie-Jade Thomas, Senior Public Affairs Manager at RSPCA Cymru, said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences. With more than six million households set to let off fireworks this season, animals face a really tough time again.

“We are delighted to see a majority of councils doing what they can to increase awareness — but everyone can do their bit this fireworks season.”

She added: “We want to see a restriction of fireworks sales to licensed venues only, and a limit to a set number of days when people can let them off, enabling owners to plan ahead to protect their animals.

“We’d also like to see manufacturers reduce noise levels, clearly label packaging, and include warnings that fireworks may cause huge distress to animals.”

Backyard fireworks a growing concern

Despite the popularity of garden displays, RSPCA polling shows that two-thirds of pet owners are deeply concerned about them.

Billie added: “We know 66% of pet owners say that backyard firework displays are a major concern. This highlights the anxiety so many owners feel as we approach fireworks season — especially when it’s impossible to know when someone nearby might set them off.”

Petition for stronger firework laws

The RSPCA is calling on the public to sign its petition for legislative change and to contact their MP in support of stronger firework laws.

The charity’s key recommendations include:

Reducing the noise level of fireworks from 120dB to 90dB.
Limiting sales to Category F1 and F2 fireworks, only through licensed retailers.
Creating designated ‘firework-free zones’ to protect animals, the environment, and vulnerable people.
Encouraging councils to host alternative community displays in firework-free areas.
Reviewing the use of drones and laser shows as wildlife-friendly alternatives.

Advice for pet owners

The RSPCA has shared practical tips for owners to help pets cope:

Bring pets indoors early and get them used to being inside.
Soundproof the home by closing windows and curtains.
Tune in to calming music, such as Classic FM’s ‘Pet Classics’ shows on Saturday 2 and Wednesday 5 November (5:00pm–9:00pm).
Stay home with pets during fireworks to offer comfort.
Use pheromone diffusers or calming collars if recommended by a vet.
Provide extra bedding for small animals, or cover outdoor hutches with a blanket.
Engage pets in play or use puzzle feeders as a distraction.
Never take pets to displays, and ensure horses and livestock are safely enclosed.
Exercise pets earlier in the day to help reduce stress at night.
Reward calm behaviour with treats and reassurance to build positive associations.

Classic FM partnership returns

Once again, the RSPCA is partnering with Classic FM for its annual Pet Classics broadcasts — designed to calm pets during firework nights. Presenter Charlotte Hawkins will also host a new Friday night mini-series at 9:00pm each week until 31 October.

For more advice, visit rspca.org.uk/fireworks or sign the petition via the charity’s website.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

12 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

13 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).