News

Sanctuary which saved 53 pigs from ‘horror farm’ wants council okay to keep going

Published

3 years ago

August 8, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

AN ANIMAL sanctuary, which housed more than 50 pigs rescued from harrowing conditions at an illegal slaughterhouse in Pembrokeshire, has applied to the county council for formal permission to keep running.

Sash Bennett, of Tanrallt, Coxhead, Tregaron, has submitted a certificate of lawful development for Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary, which has been running since 2009.

The application, made through agent Rural Advisor Ltd, seeks the continued use of the land as an animal sanctuary for rescued pigs, sheep, horses, dogs and cat, as well as the siting of caravans used for permanent and temporary volunteer accommodation, ancillary facilities, and a kennels and stables for rescued dogs and horses.

The site currently looks after 92 pigs, 12 sheep, two horses, nine dogs, and two cats.

Rural Advisor Ltd said a full planning application is being submitted separately in order to regularise associated elements of development within the site, including the erection in 2020 of a livestock building for the housing of the rescued pigs and a domed timber holiday pod.

Planning law gives immunity to unauthorised uses that have prevailed for a set period of time without enforcement action taken against them, Rural Advisor Ltd says, in making the case for a certificate of lawful development.

In submission, it adds: “There is no clearer example of the achievements of Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary that in the case of the 92 pigs which have called the Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary their home for the past four years.

“These pigs were rescued from an illegal slaughterhouse in Pembrokeshire. Following a high-profile court case which overturned a Destruction Order for 53 pigs (at the time) the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) stipulated that the animals were to be rehomed permanently with Sasha Bennett, the registered keeper, who had brought the legal challenge.

“The pigs are unable to be moved as they are deemed at risk of having Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) due to their consumption of dead animals, bricks, car parts and batteries during their time at the illegal slaughterhouse.”

In October 2019, the pigs were brought to Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary; the number of pigs had increased to 85 with a further number of pregnant sows, as they were not separated from boars at a government holding facility, the number ultimately ending up at 92.

As reported in the local press, in 2019 an Action for Animals award was made to Sasha by vegan charity Viva! Which acknowledged that the sanctuary has been in operation since 2009.

The agent also says that, due to the potential TSE risks, Ceredigion was aware the pigs were kept on site.

The agent also detailed animal welfare work on site with sheep, horses, and dogs, the latter released to the care of Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary by animal charities such as Little Angels Staffie Rescue, West Wales Poundies dog rescue, Holly Hedge Sanctuary Bristol, and Davis and the former Potter Vets Lampeter, as well as by the police.

Letters of support were provided by the many volunteers at the site.

One of them, Lampeter-based researcher and historian of Chinese medicine Dolly Yang said: “They are God’s gift to humanity and Beneath the Wood Animal Sanctuary is where God’s love shines through the selfless services of Sasha and a couple of her long-term volunteers at the sanctuary.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

8 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

8 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle