News

Animal cruelty cases at four-year high in Wales

Published

6 years ago

April 25, 2018

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found to have failed to provide proper care for five equines, as animal cruelty prosecutions hit a four-year high in Wales.

Throughout 2017, 148 convictions were secured by the RSPCA in magistrates’ courts across Wales, compared to 120 in 2016, 89 in 2015 and 116 in 2014.

Levels of animal cruelty have been branded ‘extremely shocking and deeply saddening’ by the RSPCA’s superintendent in Wales.

In total, the RSPCA investigated 10,176 complaints of cruelty over the calendar year. The 148 convictions relate to a total of 67 defendants – a rise on the 61 convicted in the previous year. A further 52 offenders were cautioned by the animal welfare charity in 2017.

The man from St David’s was banned from keeping horses for five years after he failed to provide proper care for five equines, in what an RSPCA inspector has described as the ‘worst case of overgrown hooves’ he has had to deal with in more than 18 years as an RSPCA inspector.

The man admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to three mini Shetland ponies known as Tango, Titch and Tex and two Welsh mountain ponies known as Tiggy and Pedro by failing to provide them with adequate hoof care.

RSPCA inspector Nic De Celis, who attended the man’s home address with RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “This was the worst case of overgrown hooves I’ve taken action on.

“What we were confronted with was five ponies with such overgrown and deformed hooves that two of them were reluctant to stand, let alone walk.

“It is really sad that things had got to such an awful state and hadn’t been deal with before things got so bad. It was revealed in court that it had been ten months since the ponies were seen by a farrier.”

The man was given an 18-week imprisonment sentence, suspended for two years and was ordered to undertake 200 hours community service, pay costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £150. He was also banned from keeping horses for five years, with four weeks to re-home the two remaining horses left on his farm.

RSPCA Cymru’s superintendent Martyn Hubbard said: “It is extremely shocking and deeply saddening to see this level of horrific cruelty across Wales.

“Last year we dealt with several distressing cases that involved video evidence, that had been shared via social media.

“This evidence understandably causes great distress and public outcry. Thankfully due to valuable information being reported to us in confidence, we are able to investigate and bring any animal welfare offenders to justice.
“There is just no excuse for animal cruelty and will continue to ensure animal welfare laws are adhered to.

“Prosecution is always a last resort for the RSPCA – and court cases were the huge minority of the 28 complaints we investigated on average every single day of 2017.

“Nevertheless, the nature of cases dealt with by our frontline officers throughout 2017 once again demonstrates the importance of this work, and the necessity of securing justice for abused and neglected animals in all corners of the country.”

Many of the incidents dealt with by RSPCA Cymru throughout 2017 concerned horses, and other equines. Despite the efforts of the RSPCA and other equine welfare organisations, the crisis shows no sign of easing, with the charity struggling to find stables and funding to keep the large number of horses it has had to take in. As soon as one horse is re-homed, another is waiting to immediately fill the stable and, as a consequence, the majority of horses taken in by the RSPCA have to be cared for in private boarding stables at further cost to the charity.

Last year, there were 17 convictions in relation to equines in Wales and RSPCA inspectors dealt with 1,331 equine calls which involved 4,616 equines in total.

To report a horse – or any other animal – in need of help you can call the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

News

Fishguard & Goodwick RFC Under 14’s triumph in Plate Final

Published

5 mins ago

May 6, 2024

Herald Sport

IN a thrilling encounter under the Friday night lights, Fishguard & Goodwick RFC’s under 14 team clinched a spectacular victory in the Plate Final, showcasing their prowess on the field. The final scoreline stood at Fishguard 17 – Tenby 14, marking a memorable achievement for the young athletes.

Seb Harries and Jonjo Costello led the charge with their exceptional try-scoring abilities, while the accurate kicking of Cai Morgans added seven crucial points to the scoreboard. Despite facing a resilient Tenby side, the Fishguard boys demonstrated determination and skill throughout the match.

The victory not only secured the plate for Fishguard & Goodwick RFC but also highlighted the team’s resilience and unity in the face of tough competition. It is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the support of their coaches and supporters.

Congratulations pour in for the under 14 team as they celebrate this remarkable win, which will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for future endeavors on the rugby field.

News

Call out to dinghy in difficulty turns out to be false alarm

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TENBY’S Inshore lifeboat was launched at 4.40pm on Saturday (May 4), following a report of a possible dinghy in difficulty off Pendine.

The volunteer crew made best speed to the area, some 6 miles north east of the station.

Upon arrival, the crew soon spotted the unoccupied dinghy, which was attached to a mooring buoy. It turned out to be a tender for a fishing vessel and in no difficulty.

With the shout classed as a false alarm with good intent, the lifeboat was stood down to return to station, arriving at 5.15pm.

Community

Joy as Willow rescued by coastguard after 12-day ordeal

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WILLOW a cherished family dog, has been reunited with her owners after a harrowing 12-day disappearance.

The heartwarming conclusion to her ordeal unfolded when she was discovered by holidaymakers halfway down a cliff near Penberi.

The saga began when Willow went missing, leaving her owners distraught and launching a community-wide search effort.

Despite the anxious days that followed, hope flickered when a group of vacationers chanced upon Willow during a stroll.

Quick-thinking and resourceful, they captured images of Willow’s precarious position, took note of nearby landmarks, and promptly relayed this vital information to her grateful owners.

Equipped with these invaluable visuals, HM Coastguard rescuers from the St Davids team were able to pinpoint Willow’s location with precision.

Upon arrival, they called out to her, prompting the weary dog to respond with intermittent howls. Amidst the rugged coastal terrain, the reassuring voices of her rescuers provided solace until the arrival of the Coastguard team.

Led by a dedicated crew, a daring cliffside operation ensued, culminating in Willow’s safe retrieval. Greeted by wagging tails and relieved smiles, the successful rescue mission saw Willow reunited with her owners, albeit thin and nursing a minor injury.

Expressing profound gratitude, Willow’s owners extended heartfelt thanks to the community for their unwavering support. From spreading the word to actively scouring the countryside, the collective efforts of friends, strangers, and local establishments played a pivotal role in Willow’s safe return.

Ella Sutton said: “We can’t thank everyone enough for your generosity, time, sharing, walking, droning, driving, thoughts, prayers and messages. Thank you to all those that have kept an eye out for her on your everyday or deliberate walks, runs and cycles, and to those that have driven around especially, hoping to glimpse a sighting. Many of you we know, but many we don’t.

“Thank you to the campsites and cafes for having posters and telling people around. Thank you to those that have called with sightings. And a huge thank you Anna who spotted her, and HM Coastguard – St Davids for bringing her back to us.

“All your help is SO appreciated. We’ve felt very supported and cared for by the community and beyond. We are so so happy to have our lovely Willow home and we’ll all sleep better tonight!