News
Fireworks frighten house pets
RSPCA CYMRU is issuing advice for pet owners in the run up to bonfire night.
Sadly, it is not just companion animals that are affected by fireworks. Farm animals also can be easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light, which can startle them and cause them to injure themselves on fencing, farm equipment or, in the case of housed animals, on fixtures and fittings within the house.
It is also likely that fireworks will cause a disturbance to wild animals such as waterfowl and is likely to cause suffering or distress, depending on the distance from the fireworks and the noise level. Furthermore, wildlife can be burnt alive after making their home in bonfires.
Lisa Richards, RSPCA welfare expert , said: “Countless pet owners will be dreading the run up to bonfire night because of the distress it causes to their animals.
“But there are ways to help your pets learn to be less afraid of loud noises. Planning ahead and speaking to your vet about the options available is a great start.
“Firework phobia is a treatable condition; pets do not have to suffer in misery every year.
“There are also some simple things worried owners can do to help their pets cope, including making sure dogs and cats are indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off, that they’re microchipped in case they do escape, trying to mask the noise of the fireworks by turning on the TV or music, and providing pets with a safe place to hide at all times.
“Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra bedding so they can burrow and some of their enclosure could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and sound-proofing.”
RSPCA Cymru, along with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, is urging pet owners to keep their cats and dogs safe indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off to prevent injury or escape.
Matt Jones, Head of Fire Crime at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “We understand that fireworks are an exciting addition to Halloween and Bonfire celebrations, but we ask people to be aware of the risks involved. We encourage our communities to attend organised displays at local venues and to not be tempted to buy fireworks from friends or colleagues over a reputable retailer; these illegal fireworks pose a danger to you and your family, as well as potentially your home.
“We ask our communities to avoid placing their rubbish outside the night before collection to reduce deliberate refuse fires and to report any suspicious activity to the police on 101. Fireworks can also cause concern for our pets, so we hope our communities follow the advice of experts like RSPCA Cymru to keep their animals safe during this period.”
RSPCA Cymru is also asking organisers of firework events to be vigilant and give plenty of notice to people in the area. They would also ask for organisers to show some consideration and not let off any fireworks too close to places where animals are – for example, farm animals or zoos.
Wildlife can also be burned to death by bonfires so organisers should check them before lighting to make sure there are no wild animals using them as a hiding place. It helps to build the bonfire by hand and as near as possible to the time of lighting to ensure hedgehogs and other wildlife are not sleeping in the pile when it is lit.
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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