Latest news with #RSPCACymru
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Wales is officially most animal-loving country in the UK
The findings come from the RSPCA's latest Animal Kindness Index, which shows that 75 per cent of people in Wales describe themselves as animal lovers—higher than in Scotland, England or Northern Ireland. The survey also found that 85 per cent of Welsh adults believe animal welfare should be protected by government legislation. The results were published the same day RSPCA Cymru launched its manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election, titled Securing A Better Future For Animal Welfare in Wales. Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru, said: "It's clear that Wales is a nation of animal lovers and that animal welfare is important to a staggering majority of prospective voters, which is something we'd urge political parties and candidates to really take on board before next year's Senedd election."
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA Cymru welcomes 'landmark' animal welfare announcement
Currently, animal welfare establishments including rescues, sanctuaries and re-homing centres are not regulated in Wales. This means that anyone can set up one, irrespective of their experience, skills, or resources. The Welsh Government intends to develop proposals based on "clear feedback" from its consultation to regulate these establishments. This follows years of campaigning by RSPCA Cymru, who found that 82 per cent of AWEs supported regulation. RSPCA Cymru's senior public affairs manager, Billie-Jade Thomas, said: "This is a landmark milestone for animal welfare in Wales and follows our long-standing campaign calling for regulation. "Many owners of sanctuaries and other animal welfare establishments undertake hugely important work, but the lack of regulation and oversight has long been a major concern for the RSPCA." In 2023, RSPCA Cymru launched a report highlighting the "urgent need" for regulation, with 88 per cent of the Welsh public agreeing. The report also revealed that only five per cent of the public were aware that AWEs are currently unregulated in Wales. The Welsh Government will also consider regulating pet grooming, which is currently unregulated. It is described as a "skilled and specialist activity".
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA calls for 'outdated' goldfish prizes practice to end
According to new figures from the RSPCA, 89 per cent of adults in Wales consider keeping a goldfish in a bag to be animal cruelty. The animal charity has relaunched its #NoFunAtTheFair campaign, calling for a ban on giving pets as prizes—a practice it describes as outdated and harmful. Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru, said: "As we approach the summer holidays and fairs and shows become more commonplace, we're urging our supporters to vote with their feet and not take part in the types of games where you can win a goldfish." Goldfish are the animal most commonly given away as prizes, although all 22 councils in Wales have banned it on their land. Since 2020, the charity has received 53 reports involving 400 animals given away in this manner. Evie Button, RSPCA animal welfare expert, said: "We all want to see a world where pets are acquired responsibly, well looked after and respected. "But sadly, many goldfish are at risk with their welfare hinging on the spur-of-the-moment result of a carnival game." The RSPCA is calling for a UK-wide ban on the practice, noting that it remains legal on private land in both England and Wales.
South Wales Argus
17-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA appeal after tiny Patterdale Terrier puppy found
The 12-week-old Patterdale Terrier, named Sylvia, was discovered on Wednesday, June 11, near Pengarnddu Stables in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information about the puppy, who was found by a member of the public and taken to a vet. Gemma Cooper, deputy chief inspector at the RSPCA, said: "She is extremely small for her age as she weighs just 900 grams – similar to the weight of a loaf of bread. "She has rickets, and has a docked tail and was struggling to walk using all four of her legs." The puppy was not microchipped, making it difficult to trace her origins. Ms Cooper said: "She is an adorable little thing and we hope with vet care and some TLC she will get better, but she is being closely monitored." Sylvia is continuing to receive veterinary care while investigations continue. A home has already been lined up for her if an owner is not identified. The RSPCA reminds the public to contact their local authority's stray dog service if they find a dog they believe has been abandoned. Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident 01545724.
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Fernhill man sentenced after dog left in 'dreadful state'
Chris Lee Bufton of Fernhill, Mountain Ash has been disqualified from keeping animals for life. This comes after Mr Bufton caused unnecessary suffering to his Dachshund cross bull, Shiloh by failing to investigate and address her skin disease. Shiloh had pink inflamed skin. (Image: RSPCA Cymru) He also failed to meet her needs by failing to protect her from pain, suffering, injury or disease by failing to provide adequate treatment for dry eye and a flea burden by failing to provide any or adequate parasitic control. On Monday, September 23, 2024, Deputy Chief Inspector (DCI) Gemma Cooper responded to a call reporting a collapsed dog with bad skin. 'She was collapsed, unable to stand and she had approximately 70 per cent fur loss throughout her body, uncovering thick, pink/red, inflamed skin. 'She had green discharge in both eyes and a heavy flea burden living in the little fur she did have as well as scabbing throughout. Shiloh looked in a dreadful state and my heart really felt for her.' Mr Bufton appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 4. He was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment for the first offence - which was suspended for 18 months, and for the second offence he was sentenced to eight-week imprisonment (which will run concurrently), which was also suspended for 18 months. He was handed a 10-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 12-month Mental Health Treatment Requirement and was ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. Shiloh was taken to RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic for an examination and the decision was made by a vet to put her to sleep to prevent further suffering. Shiloh was put to sleep to end her suffering. (Image: RSPCA Cymru) The court heard in a statement from a vet that every blink would have been sore for Shiloh and her 'end stage dry eye' would have meant there was no water for her tears. The vet said: 'Her entire body apart from an area over the top of her neck and chest was completely bald with crusting on the surface and severe thickening with reddening of the skin especially over all her legs and around the back end of her body. 'She had a large flea burden on the haired part of her skin and on touching the front part of her body instantly her hind legs tried to scratch. 'There were some changes to the skin around the openings of both ear canals with a heavy scarring of the ear flap of the right ear indicating either trauma or more likely self trauma/effects from her underlying skin problems.'
