News
Dogs are the ‘most persecuted pet’
MAN’s best friend is the most persecuted pet in Wales, new figures from RSPCA Cymru reveal.
The charity is releasing its annual prosecution statistics today which show that almost 60% complaints investigated by the RSPCA in Wales in 2015 related to dogs. This compares to nearly 21% which related to cats – the second most abused pet.
There were 5,918 investigations into cruelty towards the pet commonly thought of as our most loyal companion – nearly three times the number of investigations into cats, of which there were 2,071.
In 2015 the charity in Wales dealt with several horrifying cases involving the “skinniest dog” an inspector had ever seen in Newport, a Pembrokeshire dog who had hair so matted he couldn’t see and a neglected Flintshire dog who was a third under his ideal body weight.
RSPCA Cymru’s superintendent Martyn Hubbard said: “People think of dogs as man’s best friend but these statistics tell a different story. They are by far the most abused animal in Wales and we investigate more complaints related to them than any other species.
“Our inspectors have been utterly shocked by the level of neglect, it is horrifying to think how these animals must have suffered.”
The RSPCA’s annual figures for 2015 show that there were a total of 9,895 complaints investigated. This compares to 11,740 in 2014.
The number of animal owners who were offered and accepted welfare advice were 5,790 – this is an increase from 5,527 in 2014. The vast majority of RSPCA work is improving animal welfare by giving advice to owners.
In total the RSPCA in Wales secured 89 convictions in magistrates court in 2015 – there were 116 in 2014.
The number of defendants convicted in Wales in 2014 was 41. This is compares to 47 in 2014.
The latest figures show a 100 per cent success rate for RSPCA prosecutions in Wales last year – which also follows a 100 per cent success rate in 2014.
Superintendent Hubbard added: “It is encouraging that some of the figures are down on last year and that the numbers of complaints being dealt with by education and advice are going up, as we would always much rather improve animal welfare by giving advice to owners if at all possible.
“Yet even if some of the overall numbers are lower, the level of depravity we have seen in 2015 continues to be a concern and is as bad as previous years.”
Rocky from Pembrokeshire couldn’t see due to the matted hair over his eyes. He was in a poor body condition, and was kept in a small cage with not a lot of room to turn around in. His owners were disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years. Rocky has been rehomed.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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