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.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
-
Crime3 days agoSex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register
-
Health2 days agoHealth board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales
-
News4 days agoPrincess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill
-
Health6 days agoDoctor struck off after sexual misconduct findings at Withybush Hospital
-
Crime2 days agoTeacher injured and teenager arrested for attempted murder at Milford Haven School
-
Education7 days agoIndustry insight helps marine cadets chart career course
-
Crime4 days agoHakin man’s appeal delayed again as Crown Court seeks guidance on insurance law
-
News6 days agoHerald journalists to feature in true-crime documentary on local lockdown murder








