News

Pet food company donates to animal organisations

Published

6 years ago

June 17, 2020

A PEMBROKESHIRE pet food company is doing its bit to support charities and animal organisations through the Covid-19 pandemic as they struggle to stay afloat during such uncertain times.

Burns Pet Nutrition, a natural pet food company that already helps over 40 animal welfare organisations every year, has donated tens of thousands of pounds worth of pet supplies to over 20 rescue centres, charities and community groups across the UK during the outbreak.

The family firm, which specialises in producing high quality dog food made up of all-natural ingredients, has supplied thousands of bags of pet food and treats equating to more than £30,000.

Across the country, not-for profit animal organisations have been hit hard by the lockdown, having seen their main sources of income come to a dramatic halt with the closure of charity shops, cancellation of fundraising events and pausing of all fostering and adoption activity.

Wanting to support those struggling with the financial fall-out from the current Covid-19 crisis, Burns has chosen to make food donations to organisations, ensuring the animals in their care are well fed while helping to reduce the financial strain they are under.

The company has donated food to a range of local rescue centres including Pembrokeshire’s Greenacres Animal Rescue, Llanelli-based Hope Rescue, Cardiff Dogs Home, Powys Animal Welfare, Greyhound Rescue Wales and Powys-based Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary, which has dogs in its care. Further afield, it has provided donations to London-based Mayhew Animal Rescue, Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption (MADRA) in Northern Ireland, West Cork Animal Welfare Group and Alley Cats Burnley and Pendle.

Burns has also provided donations to various therapy and service dog schemes including Hampshire Search & Rescue Dogs, B.W.Y Canine Ltd – a specialist supplier of detection dogs – and Support Dogs UK, a national charity which provides assistance dogs for individuals with medical conditions including disabilities, autism and epilepsy.

As well as supporting animal organisations, Burns has committed to helping communities in Wales who may be struggling to feed their pets following impacts to their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic. It has helped to support a number of community groups including the Swansea Council’s Food Bank initiative and Tenby United RFC’s support scheme.

To date, Burns has provided over 300 bags of pet food and treats to the Scarlets Community Foundation, an initiative which sees the Scarlets Rugby club team up with local grassroots clubs to deliver care packages to vulnerable people in the region.

The company also provided over £9,000 worth of food to ‘Street Paws’ – a registered charity made of up of veterinary volunteers who provide free vet care and food for dogs living with people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or in extreme poverty. Burns’ food packs have since been distributed to vulnerable individuals in 24 towns and cities across the UK including Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and York.

John Burns, Founder of Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “The last few months have been a very difficult period for animal organisations and vulnerable people across the country. The impact of coronavirus has been unprecedented, and the result is that many charities and vital community initiatives have been struggling to cope with the financial obstacles that the outbreak has brought.

“It’s imperative these people and companies receive support to help them through this challenging time. The work of animal rescues and animal support services is truly commendable and it’s imperative to us that we do something to help them survive. We want to do whatever we can to help those struggling during this terrible time and so giving away our food to those in need goes without question”

Michelle Southern, Founder of Street Paws said: “Street Paws Charity supports the most vulnerable in our society and their dogs. Since the lockdown, rough sleepers have not had the public support or donations of food that they rely on every day. Our teams have continued to support them delivering dog food and other essential medications. To have this support from Burns is incredible and means that we have enough food for everyone who needs it.”

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

48 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

54 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.