Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed the completion of a successful two-day operation to take possession of livestock and other animals from a location in the Ferry Lane area of Pembroke Dock, in response to concerns regarding their welfare.

In total, 53 pigs, 80 sheep, three goats, 58 dogs, 20 horses and one donkey were removed from site and these have now been taken to safe locations pending further proceedings.

Because of its scale and complexity, the rescue operation was planned several days in advance.

The authority’s cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, Clr. Pat Davies, expressed her gratitude for the efforts of all those involved in supporting the council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team in the face of some challenging circumstances.

Said Clr. Davies: “We are very grateful for the support throughout the operation from officers from Dyfed Powys Police (including the Rural Crime Team), along with colleagues from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, private veterinary practices, Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, World Horse Welfare and others, without whom the operation would not have been possible.” 

Dogs Trust staff were on hand to ensure that affected dogs were safely retrieved and transported with care to council premises in their specially equipped Animal Ambulance.

“The health and welfare of the dogs is our priority and we will do all we can to assist Pembrokeshire County Council,” said the Dogs Trust.

“If anyone is concerned about any specific dogs that they think may be involved, they can contact the Animal Health Team at Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764 551.”

The operation follows two arrests last week in connection with the illegal slaughter of animals and the production of ‘smokies’.

(‘Smokies’, for the uninitiated, are a West African delicacy; a sheep or goat carcass is hung and ‘smoked’ with a blowtorch before cooking. Because of health concerns and potential cruelty, the practice is illegal in the UK.)

Investigations into activities on site remain ongoing by teams from the County Council’s Public Protection service.