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Pembrokeshire vape shops back in court tomorrow as closure order case resumes

Pembrokeshire vape shops back in court tomorrow as closure order case resumes

A WOMAN has been banned from keeping animals for seven years and handed a suspended prison sentence after pouring boiling water and bleach on a group of wild mice trapped in a wheelie bin.
Carys Ann Roberts, aged 28, of Cross Hands Road, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
Llanelli Magistrates' Court heard that on 20 August 2024, at Maesawel, Black Lion Road, Cross Hands, Roberts caused unnecessary suffering to several small rodents — believed to be seven wild mice — by pouring bleach and boiling water over them, leading to burns and death.
Roberts had sent messages to a WhatsApp group of work colleagues, informing them of her intentions. Despite their pleas for her not to proceed, she carried out the act. The court heard she poured around half a bottle of bleach into the bin before adding boiling water from a kettle. After about five minutes, she placed the dead mice into a bin bag and left it out for collection the following day.
The matter was reported to police, who referred it to the RSPCA.
During sentencing on 17 April, the court was told that Roberts had apologised and claimed it was an error of judgement.
She was sentenced to 18 weeks' custody, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. Roberts was also banned from keeping animals for seven years.
In sentencing remarks, the District Judge said: 'This was a serious offence. Animals feel pain just as we do and are protected by law.'
An independent expert veterinary report presented to the court stated that the boiling water would have caused 'severe burns' and 'serious pain.' It added: 'If the burns are extensive and involve most of the skin surface, they are liable to be fatal. Equally, depending on the quantity of water poured into the bin, the rodents may potentially have drowned, causing further pain, distress, and suffering.'
The report also confirmed that bleach would have caused 'chemical burns.'
The court heard that Roberts had access to humane alternatives, including the offer of help from a pest control company or the option to release the mice away from the property.
Speaking after the case, RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said: 'All animals — big and small — deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. These mice suffered greatly and died as a result of intentional actions. She had been offered an alternative and advised against what she did, but sadly the mice suffered unnecessarily.'
For those concerned about mice or other rodents, the RSPCA advises simple and humane deterrent methods.
Rebecca Machin, RSPCA Scientific and Policy Officer, said: 'There are several kinds of mouse in the UK, and they are an important part of our wildlife. To deter mice around the home, the key is to remove sources of food that attract them. Food should be stored in airtight containers, and crumbs should be cleaned up.
'Cotton wool balls soaked in peppermint, eucalyptus, or spearmint oil may help deter rodents, and holes should be blocked with 'mouse mesh', a type of wire wool rodents cannot nibble through. In gardens, planting daffodils, wood hyacinth and alliums can also help, as rodents dislike them. Keeping gardens tidy and moving furniture can also deter them, as rodents dislike sudden changes.
'If deterrents do not work, a professional pest controller can remove rodents humanely. However, long-term success depends on removing whatever attracted them in the first place.'

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EXCLUSIVE Record-breaking arrests at Appleby Horse Fair: Police detain 123 people for offences including drink-driving and punching a horse
EXCLUSIVE Record-breaking arrests at Appleby Horse Fair: Police detain 123 people for offences including drink-driving and punching a horse

Daily Mail​

time7 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Record-breaking arrests at Appleby Horse Fair: Police detain 123 people for offences including drink-driving and punching a horse

Police made a record-breaking number of arrests at the Appleby Horse Fair this year, including for drink-driving and even one a man who allegedly punched a horse. Some 123 people were detained by Cumbria Constabulary at the annual gathering of gypsies and travellers this year, 80 of whom were for drink or drug driving offences. Officers said they also issued 370 traffic offence report tickets during the event in Appleby-in-Westmorland, while 120 vehicles were seized - including those suspected of being stolen, used in a crime, causing an obstruction or driving without insurance. The arrest total compares to 102 last year, and is the highest figure in records dating back more than 15 years - with the closest challenger year being 2009, with 106. Out of the 123 arrests this year, 80 were made during the fair itself while the other 43 were in the weeks leading up to it as part of the overall policing operation. The arrest total was also significantly up on the 42 in 2023, 18 in 2022 and 13 in 2021. There was no event in 2020 due to the pandemic - while going back further in the years between 2010 and 2019, there were between eight and 60 arrests each year. Separately, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) made 372 interventions at this year's fair - down on 438 last year, but up on 288 in 2023. This year the RSPCA issued 18 warnings; removed, treated and returned 14 equines to their owners; has two ongoing investigations; and is caring for six horses who were abandoned or are subject to investigations; and removed one wild caught bird. In addition, two horses were put to sleep because they were ill, which the charity said was on veterinary advice and with the permission of their owner. On Saturday, police arrested a man after a report of a horse having been punched. Aidan Tomlinson, 22, of Pudsey, Leeds, was later charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and was bailed to attend Carlisle Magistrates' Court on July 14. Cumbria Police also arrested a woman in charge of a horse who had previously been disqualified from controlling animals. She was released under investigation whilst officers investigate. Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, Gold Commander for the Appleby Horse Fair, said: 'My officers have once again been on the front-foot and proactive in their efforts to make this event as safe as we can for Gypsies and Travellers, local people and day visitors. 'The results of their efforts - and the goodwill of the vast majority of people in all communities - is fewer crimes recorded and a fair which has seen zero incidents of significant disorder or violent incidents. 'I would like to thank all communities for this, whilst also paying tribute to my officers for their outstanding work in recent days and weeks, during challenging circumstances, including the extremely wet weather we saw on Saturday.' However Mr St Quintin said there was a 'concerning trend' in the number of drivers being stopped who are over the prescribed limit, particularly for drug driving. He continued: 'The drink and drug driving arrests we have made have been split between people here for the fair and people not connected who were either travelling through or who live locally. 'Getting behind the wheel whilst unfit through drink or drugs is inexcusable and as people make their way home from the fair today, we will urge people to drive with caution whilst continuing to target drivers who are willing to put their own lives, the lives of their passengers and the lives of other road users at risk.' Data on arrests each year was compiled by MailOnline from the annual 'Learning Lessons' report released by the Appleby Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG), which was established in 2008. Comparative figures are therefore not believed to be available before 2009. RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy, who oversees the animal welfare operation, said: 'Our interactions with the Fairgoing community have been overwhelmingly positive and interventions, when they've been necessary, have been cordial. 'People may have seen something they're not happy with, if it has been reported to us it has been investigated by our staff. 'Whilst we did see tired horses, none of those who were exhaustion tested were so bad that they needed to be removed from their owners permanently. When they had rested, we were able to return them.' Organisers said this year's event was 'one of the busiest in recent years', with a total of 1,307 caravans and bowtops in attendance - up on 1,287 last year but short of the record of 1,318 recorded in 2014. The 2025 figures saw a drop in the number of traditional bowtops to 95, down from 112 in 2024. There were 1,152 caravans, up from 1,078 in 2024, 46 tents and a further six vans, or wagons used as accommodation. Meanwhile there was drop in the number of stalls at the fair this year with overall numbers at 231, including 25 food stalls. This was down on the 268 recorded in 2024 and well below the 2016 record high of 276. Steph Cordon, chair of the Appleby Fair MASCG, said: 'With poor weather forecast over the weekend of the Fair, which also coincided with the Epsom Derby, we did wonder if caravan and bowtop numbers might be lower this year. 'An initial reading of the count would suggest otherwise, but the recording of vehicles at the fair is now much more accurate using drone technology, so comparisons to previous years is not necessarily a helpful barometer.' 'I'm pleased that this year's fair has passed without any major incidents and I'd like to thank everyone involved in the response to the Fair, for their hard work and dedication in making sure that this was the case.' Westmorland and Furness Council issued 21 penalty charge notices between the Monday and Wednesday before the fair and a further 53 during the four main days of the fair. Gypsy and traveller representative Billy Welch, a member of the MASCG, said: 'It's been an absolutely wonderful fair. Everyone has enjoyed it and everything went like clockwork from the MASCG and from the police. 'Everybody is saying they had a really good time and the police and the MASCG did a brilliant job. We had the rough weather on Saturday but it's only one day so didn't spoil it. We've had far worse weather so it did not spoil anything.' 'We're already looking forward to next year's fair – starting the planning and looking at what can be tweaked and improved. I just want to thank everyone - we're really grateful – and wish everyone a safe journey home.' It comes as a huge operation to clear fields of discarded rubbish began today as thousands of travellers headed home – with sofas, wooden furniture, bedding, food and toilet waste strewn across the picturesque countryside. Appleby is billed as the biggest traditional traveller fair in Europe and takes place in the market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland every year. Around 10,000 people from the gypsy and traveller community were expected to attend this year's event, outnumbering the local population of just 3,048 people.

Life ban for Malton man who mistreated two wild birds
Life ban for Malton man who mistreated two wild birds

BBC News

time8 hours ago

  • BBC News

Life ban for Malton man who mistreated two wild birds

A man found guilty of mistreating two injured wild birds has been given a lifetime ban on keeping Jefferson, 30, from Malton, was found by an RSPCA inspector to be keeping a jackdaw with a damaged foot and a pigeon with a broken wing in a pen at his birds had suffered the effects of marijuana, with the jackdaw found with a bell around its neck and its claws painted with nail polish and the pigeon found with a wing wrapped in gaffer tape, the court was given an 18-month community order and ordered to pay £194 towards the costs of the case having admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. The court heard the birds had been seen by RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber during a visit to Jefferson's home in Scarborough for an unrelated matter in June told the court Jefferson claimed to have found both birds injured, but had not sought veterinary treatment for either. The court was told on 2 June that Jefferson had been treating the jackdaw with an immune protection vitamin paste, later identified as a paste used to treat cats. It was described by Insp Barber as appearing "quiet, withdrawn and lethargic".When vets later examined it they found it had a dislocated toe, with "sparkly glittery nail polish" painted on each of its vet added: "Marijuana toxicity could explain the lethargic, glazed demeanour of this bird in an environment that would usually cause panic."The bird was treated for dehydration before being transported to an RSPCA wildlife RSPCA spokesperson said the wood pigeon had been put down as a result of the damage caused by "inappropriate use of the grey gaffer tape". Insp Barber added: "Keeping these injured wild birds was unlawful. "Whatever the intentions towards the birds, this was not an appropriate way to treat them." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

Cat killer who beat two beloved pets to death during campaign of domestic abuse against ex-girlfriend weeps as he avoids prison
Cat killer who beat two beloved pets to death during campaign of domestic abuse against ex-girlfriend weeps as he avoids prison

Daily Mail​

time8 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Cat killer who beat two beloved pets to death during campaign of domestic abuse against ex-girlfriend weeps as he avoids prison

A thug who killed two of his then girlfriend's cats and brutally attacked a third sobbed as he was spared prison. James Higginson, 20, walked out of court with his mother before collapsing against a bollard after being handed a suspended sentence. The court heard Higginson had taken an irrational dislike to ex-girlfriend Caitlin Morley's pets Tiggy, Sushi and Chase while living together and viciously attacked them when she was at work. A neighbour heard cries of distress from one of the cats as he shouted 'how do you like this stupid b***h?' When Miss Morley challenged him, Higginson repeatedly denied to her that he had been harming her pets. But Tiggy and Sushi died in the summer of 2023 while Chase was seized by the RSPCA after being taken to the vets with a swollen face. Both of the dead cats were exhumed but while their post-mortem examinations were inconclusive, experts believe their deaths were caused by repeated blunt force trauma. Higginson, 20, walked out of court with his mother before collapsing against a bollard after being handed a suspended sentence Higginson, a chef from Weymouth, Dorset, sobbed in the dock of Bournemouth Crown Court as he was sentenced for three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He was given a 15 month suspended prison sentence and banned from owning animals for 20 years. The judge spared him an immediate custodial sentence as he was an 'immature' 18-year-old at the time of the offences with 'mental health problems' and locking him up would cause distress to his family. Afterwards, Miss Morley, 20, said she was disgusted by the sentence. She said: 'I don't think anyone who hurts animals should be walking free - I think it is disgusting. 'Because he didn't get prison it shows people can do what they want and get away with it.' The court heard his campaign of cruelty against Miss Morley's cats lasted from March to September 2023. Gregory Gordon, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant moved into the flat that was already occupied by his partner who had two cats, Tiggy and Sushi. 'Both of the cats died at the defendant's hands, and the third kitten, Chase, was injured and could have gone the same way but was seized. 'The expert witness concluded that the injuries sustained by Tiggy, Sushi and Chase were deliberate acts inflicted upon them. 'In one incident, a neighbour heard sounds of a cat in distress coming from the defendant's flat and a male screaming 'how do you like this, how does this feel, stupid b***h, f*****g stop it'.' Miss Morley found Tiggy dead on June 6, 2023 and woke to find Sushi dead on August 12, 2023. She bought Chase three days later and by the end of that August the 'cycle' was beginning again and she found the terrified cat hiding under a kitchen cupboard with a bloody eye and swollen face. She took him to the vets who alerted the RSPCA and Chase was taken off them for its own protection. The court heard that Higginson had two convictions for six previous offences, including domestic violence against Miss Morley. Christopher Pix, mitigating, said: 'He accepts full responsibility for the offences, and he expresses his deep remorse.' Recorder Patrick Mason told Higginson on Friday he should be 'ashamed' of himself for having committed 'pointless, cruel and horrible acts on defenceless cats'. He said: 'Everybody who has a pet knows that it should be a source of pleasure to us. 'You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself for doing something like that..' But, explaining his decision to hand him a suspended sentence, he added: 'At the age of 18 you weren't able to handle your emotions in a way that someone much more grown up would do, which given your mental health problems that's perhaps not surprising. 'You are in work and have good prospects of rehabilitation and sending you to prison would have a significant harmful impact on family members.' Higginson, who pleaded guilty to the charges, will also have to pay £500 costs. Miss Morley said afterwards: 'I don't know why he did it - the only reason I can think of is that it was another way to hurt me during a campaign of domestic abuse. 'I've had to experience it first hand from someone I used to trust which is hard to imagine.'

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