Latest news with #RSPCACymru
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- 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RSPCA calls for 'outdated' goldfish prizes practice to end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has relaunched its #NoFunAtTheFair campaign, calling for a ban on giving pets as prizes—a practice it describes as outdated and harmful.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
5 days ago
- 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.'
South Wales Argus
04-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
RSPCA charity celebrates volunteers for helping animals
RSPCA Cymru is shining a spotlight on its volunteers as part of Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 2 to 8. Volunteers play a crucial role in rescuing and transporting animals, fostering pets, and supporting the organisation's activities. Jo, a foster carer from Newport, said: "They have all had their own unique personalities and funny quirks. "Often they come from multi-cat households and are lacking a little in socialisation. "They may be scared of you and it's your job to help them realise that not all humans are bad." RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Danni Wilson has fostered four dogs and 10 cats over the past four years. Ms Wilson said: "Myself and my partner absolutely love fostering. "It is so rewarding seeing an animal grow in confidence or recover from something medical." The charity offers a variety of volunteer roles, including animal transport, fundraising, gardening, and maintenance work at its centres. Abby Hill, area volunteer support partner for RSPCA Cymru, said: "We are so grateful to volunteers like Jo and Danni for their dedication and commitment to their role." Volunteer opportunities are available across Wales through RSPCA branches.
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Emaciated ponies found living among dead animals in field
Emaciated ponies found living among dead animals in field RSPCA Cymru are now looking for the horse's owner The pony and her foal were found in an emaciated state, alongside two dead ponies (Image: RSPCA ) RSPCA Cymru has issued an appeal to track down the owner of an emaciated pony and her foal after they were found starved and living among dead animals in a field. A rescue was carried out in Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale where volunteers at the RSPCA found the pony and the foal were starved and living among two dead ponies after receiving a report concerning their welfare. The pair were found in a private filed but are believed to be from the nearby commons. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The RSPCA were notified on May 9 and were able to pull together a small team who were there until dark that same day. However the attempt was aborted after specialist equipment was required due to the unhandled nature of the ponies. The mare and pony have since been monitored by the RSPCA and volunteers over the past couple of weeks while specialist arrangements could be made to remove them. A multi-agency team was then arranged for Wednesday 21 May. RSPCA Inspector Suzanne Smith said: 'The first rescue attempt posed too much of a risk due to environmental risks and also risks to the mare due to her poor condition. 'In the meantime we ensure they were monitored and we're very thankful to the volunteers who provided hay, water and also checked on them until we were able to organise a specialist team and equipment to safely rescue her and her foal. 'Since our initial rescue attempt she had pushed through a fence onto derelict farmland since and this had better grazing so she has become much stronger. 'We'd like to thank all the volunteers for working with us, as it meant she was then in a better condition to cope with the stress of rescue and transport – giving her the best prognosis. 'We'd also like to thank HorseWorld, The British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare for their assistance. "The pony and her foal are now safe in charitable care and will receive the veterinary treatment and care they need. 'It's always difficult in such circumstances. Whilst we understand public frustration and that it may appear we are doing nothing – a lot of work is usually being done behind the scenes to resolve a situation – and with a number of organisations and other charities.' Article continues below The RSPCA is now appealing for information about a possible owner, and ask anyone with information that could identify them to please contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident 01515234. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .
