News
Three sheep saved from ‘serious jeopardy’ in Dinas Island rescue
A 12-strong team of RSPCA officers – including rope rescue specialists – have saved three sheep trapped precariously on a steep cliff edge at Dinas Island in West Wales.
The sheep had become trapped on the cliff above the sea with very limited grazing available and were in “serious jeopardy”.
Remarkable drone footage shows the extent of the sheep’s plight – and the size of the drop to the sea below.
RSPCA officers abseiled down to reach the sheep, and carefully put the animals into secure bags. They were then lowered to another team of officers in a boat below.
The rescue was coordinated by RSPCA inspector Neill Manley and took place last Tuesday (2 March).
Nine officers – Mark Roberts, Richard Abbott, Vicki Taylor, Nayman Dunderdale, Gemma Cooper, Alan Barnes, Dean Wilkins, Megan Higgins and Jo Pearson – were part of the rope rescue team; while officers Rohan Barker and Justin Stubbs were in the boat below.
Fortunately, all three sheep were saved successfully and immediately returned to the farmer.
RSPCA inspector Neill Manley said: “These three sheep were in serious jeopardy – and urgently needed our help.
“An operation like this takes a lot of planning, but fortunately everything went according to plan.
“The weather was relatively calm, and our system worked well – with officers accessing the sheep by abseiling down the cliff, before lowering the sheep in bags to a boat below.
“We’re delighted to have been able to help these sheep in their hour of need.
“Thankfully, the sheep were all fine despite their ordeal and a happy ending means all the planning and efforts of our officers was certainly worth it.”
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY Coombes, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes used an Xbox device without informing police within three days of its use, which he was prohibited from doing under a sexual harm prevention order made at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated a guilty plea at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court record states that bail was refused on the grounds that he was considered likely to offend, with magistrates citing the nature and seriousness of the offence, along with his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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