MP?Simon Hart has written to the RSPCA to ask why they apparently did not respond to allegations of animal cruelty at Bramble Hall Farm near Pembroke Dock.

“I have had a number of letters and emails from concerned residents who tell me that they reported the farm to the RSPCA and even saw the local inspector at the site, yet it seems no action was taken by the animal charity,” explained Mr. Hart.

A total of 215 animals were removed from the farm in January following court warrants executed by Pembrokeshire County Council and the Dogs Trust.

Mr. Hart has written to RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood asking how many times Bramble Hall was reported to the charity in 2018 and how many visits were undertaken to the premises by their local inspector during the year.

He added “The RSPCA is usually involved in prosecutions involving companion animals such as dogs and cats, but there is also plenty of evidence of them getting involved in court cases involving farm animals.

“It seems to be a bit of a mystery why the charity apparently took so little action in this instance and I hope to get some answers for their local supporters,” he added.An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said: “The premises in question have been under investigation by the local authority’s animal health team and RSPCA Cymru is one of a number of agencies which have provided expertise, assistance and support to the local authority to recently protect animals at the site. “Suggestions that we did not act are completely untrue - in many cases we try to work with owners to improve care and welfare, although our officers can only act within the confines of the law.“We have been involved in visiting this site over many months and have been supporting animals at the premises. “This recently included making arrangements for more than 20 equines, and - pending an ongoing legal process - we will look to find new homes for these animals as soon as we are able to do so. “We are so grateful to people across Pembrokeshire who seek to champion animal welfare, and report welfare problems to us. “RSPCA Cymru will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare - and stand ready to provide further appropriate support to other agencies if and where required. Indeed, supporting other agencies is another key part of our inspectorate work to protect animal welfare,” they added.Last week Pembrokeshire County Council released a statement following a request for a civil order seeking to put animals into care that were taken away from a premises in?Pembroke Dock following a two-day operation in January.On January 28 and 29, 2019, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team obtained and executed court warrants at Bramble Hall Farm, Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, with the support of other agencies and parties. The council took possession of a large number of animals from the site on welfare grounds, as supported by veterinary opinion. All of the animals taken into possession were transported to pre-arranged, safe locations where they have been cared for appropriately, under the control of the council. On Thursday, March 7, the council successfully applied to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for the forfeiture (permanent confiscation) of animals seized. This procedure is independent of any potential criminal proceedings.After the hearing, a council spokesman said: “We welcome the decision of the magistrates. The order they have made is in the exact terms of the draft order we submitted, including our application for costs.”The council is continuing to investigate a range of related offences in respect of a number of individuals. Richard Brown, head of environmental services and public protection, said: “Please be assured that we are continuing to monitor the welfare of animals that remain on site. Legitimate grounds for believing that the welfare of any animals is compromised will result in further action.”Despite public animal welfare concerns, Pembrokeshire County Council is unable to prevent any individual from acquiring or keeping animals. Only a court can do that. If someone has been convicted for an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the court can make an order depriving/disqualifying them from owning, keeping, participating in keeping or controlling or influencing the way animals are kept, transporting or arranging the transportation of animals. There is nothing stopping animals being brought to a site/kept on site until a disqualification is in place.