A GUIDE dog trainer remembered for his work in Pembrokeshire has launched a toy appeal to help dogs rescued from meat crates in Thailand.

Tony Harvey, who trained Penny Davies and her guide dog JayJay at their home in Burton, near Milford Haven, started the appeal after a chance visit to the Dog Rescue Project in Chiang Mai.

He and his wife Emily, also a guide dog trainer, were so moved by the plight of the animals that they scrapped plans for a week’s luxury beach holiday to join volunteers at the project, which is based next door to an elephant sanctuary.

They have been using their guide dog training skills to teach the traumatised animals how to play and relax, but they need toys.

Caroline Viney, head of service delivery at Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “We’ve been told that the sanctuary has about 400 dogs, many saved from meat crates or the streets.

“Tony and Emily have been teaching staff at the shelter about basic things like environment enrichment and dog understanding. The dogs have never learnt how to relax and play, so toys would really help to socialise them.

“We’ve launched a Facebook appeal, and retired guide dog Bessie has already given up some of her favourite toys.”

Send unwanted toys c/o Emily Harvey, Elephant Sanctuary, 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.