News
Greenacres now responsible for stray dogs
ON FRIDAY (Apr 1), Greenacres Animal Rescue became primarily responsible for the care of any stray dogs which are found in Pembrokeshire.
Working with Pembrokeshire County Council and Dog Wardens in the area, the rescue centre has now become the chief carer for dogs until they are reunited with their owners.
In circumstances where unfortunately the owner cannot be located or the dog is sadly no longer wanted, Greenacres will be responsible for the rehoming of the animal which will take place seven days after the animal has been found.
However, attempts are always made to return stray dogs to their owners by examining the collar, tag or microchip of the lost dog. Also, for over a year, dog wardens have been successfully using social media to reunite lost dogs with their owners by posting pictures and details about the pets on Facebook and Twitter.
The importance of microchipping has been highlighted by the procedure becoming compulsory for all dogs over eight weeks old on Wednesday (Apr 6). If a dog loses its collar, the microchip offers a foolproof way for any lost animal to be returned to its owner.
Tom Hayes, Principal Environmental Health Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, told The Herald: “This is a new partnership which just started on April 1, as part of a provision to look after dogs in our county.
“The service will run from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but there are currently no provisions for outof- hours services.
“Dog wardens will take any stray dogs to Greenacres Animal Rescue, where any misplaced owners will have seven days to claim their dog, before the dog is transferred to the rescue part of the kennels where it will be rehomed.
“In the past, this service has been managed well by Llanstiman Kennels in Trecwn, and I’m sure it will continue to be managed well by Greenacres Animal Rescue in the future.
“However, as part of a routine finance retender which is done every three years, Greenacres Animal Rescue made a bid for the new partnership and won.
“There was no past dissatisfaction with Llanstiman – this decision was purely down to the financial aspects of the situation.
“We had no qualms with either service. At the end of the day, one was simply cheaper than the other, leaving Greenacres to win the contract.”
This year, Pembrokeshire County Council were awarded the Silver medal by RSPCA Cymru’s Community Animal Welfare Footprint Scheme, which recognises the commitment and achievement of local authorities in delivering and improving animal welfare.
Paul Smith, Public Affairs Manager for RSPCA Cymru, said of the award: “It is fantastic that for the sixth year in a row, the Pembrokeshire team have been recognised for the fantastic work that they do in tackling stray dogs but maximising the animal welfare of the dogs they pick up.”
There were a host of positive comments posted on social media about the partnership.
Eluned Kronacher-Edwards said: “Well done, it makes more sense to have the pound closer to where most strays seem to be found, and also you can give proper rescue backup for rehoming.”
Lesley Evans said: “Huge undertaking, but great news for dogs in Pembrokeshire and any owners looking for one they lost – a one stop shop. Brilliant.”
Beverley Hinksman stated: “Lovely news. It will cut down the amount of stress that these poor souls go through.”
Greenacres Animal Rescue told The Herald: “We are so pleased to be now caring for the stray dogs for Pembrokeshire County Council. We are hoping that with the new microchipping law, it will be much easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners.”
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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