A TWO-DAY animal welfare operation in Pembrokeshire has seen dozens of animals rescued.

In total 53 pigs, 80 sheep, three goats, 58 dogs, 20 horses and one donkey were removed from the site at Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, and these have now been taken to safe locations.

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

Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, Cllr Pat Davies, thanked all those involved in supporting the council’s animal health and welfare team in the face of some challenging circumstances.

Cllr Davies said: “We are very grateful for the support throughout the operation from officers from Dyfed Powys police (including the Rural Crime Team), along with the 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 vans, including a dog ambulance, arrived at a site on Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, yesterday (Tuesday, January 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police were also on the scene.

In an updated statement issued today, January 30, The Dogs Trust said: “On Tuesday 29 January, we assisted Pembrokeshire County Council, and Dyfed-Powys Police in attending to dogs whose welfare has potentially been compromised at a premises near Pembroke Dock.

“More than 50 dogs were removed from the site and Dogs Trust staff were on hand to ensure that affected dogs were safely retrieved and transported with care to council premises in our 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.

“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.

“As the investigation is on-going we can’t go into any further detail at this time.”

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

Investigations into activities on site remain on-going by teams from the county council’s public protection service.