A poultry slaughterhouse has been fined by magistrates after more than 600 died after they were transported in an overcrowded van with poor ventilation.
On 25 May 2007 at Naik Halal Poultry Limited, Castleton in Newport, an official working for the Meat Hygiene Service witnessed the arrival of a delivery of poultry. The officer was concerned with the suitability of the vehicle as it had doors with heavy rubber seals on them indicating that the vehicle load space would lack adequate ventilation for the purpose of transporting live animals. The van contained a number of poultry crates, and in these crates were hens, some of which were already dead, it appeared that the crates were over stocked. Four crates were opened and each one was counted to ascertain how many birds had been loaded per crate. After a number of dead birds were removed it was established that in each crate there were 18 animals 3 more than the recommended official guidance.
In total 1,100 animals had been transported from Tiverton in Devon to Newport, 609 had died before the end of the journey. At this point the Meat Hygiene Service officials contacted the Trading Standards Section of Newport City Council and an Animal Health Inspector attended the scene. It appeared to the Inspector that the high mortality rate was due to lack of ventilation due to the van being overstocked and unsuitable for the transportation of live animals.Following an investigation into the incident by the Trading Standards Section of Newport City Council, Naik Halal Poultry Limited appeared before the Magistrates Court at Abergavenny on 30 January 2008. The Company entered a guilty plea in respect of the charge that they caused animals to be transported contrary to the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales ) Order 2007, an offence under the Animal Health Act 1981 in a way likely to cause undue suffering caused by the means of transportation.The Magistrates fined the Company £3000 and were ordered to pay costs of £450
POULTRY SLAUGHTERHOUSE CHARGED
STILL NO NEWS ON EBBW RAIL SERVICE TO NEWPORT
With a whimper rather than a bang the much delayed rail service from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff via Rogerstone got underway yesterday. But there was still no news on whether the rail service will run to its natural home in Newport. The Welsh Assembly Government remained coy about the prospect yesterday and have backtracked on previous commitments to run an Ebbw Vale-Newport service in time for the Ryder Cup.
WETLANDS VISITOR CENTRE TO OPEN
The Newport Wetlands Visitor Centre will be officially opened at a series of events between March 6 and 9.
POLICE WARNING FOR WOMEN AFTER ATTACK
Police are warning women to avoid walking alone in the early hours of the morning in the city centre area following an attack on Sunday in the St. Woolos area. The victim was heading in the direction of home after a night out in the City Centre. She started in the Cambrian Road area at approximately 3.45am when she became aware of a car, described as a dark coloured cavalier-type vehicle, that had stopped in the street and the driver asked her if she wanted a lift which she declined. She continued walking up the Queensway, through St Lukes Car Park and Bridge Street until she reached Caxton Place when she became aware of the same vehicle in the area. She continued to West Street where she saw the driver of the vehicle - this time on foot. She continued to Graham Street and St Julians Street.
While exiting St Julians Street and turning onto St Woolos Road, she became aware of the same man following her. She stopped and the man tried to make conversation with her and put his arm around her, when she objected he assaulted her. When she screamed he ran down St Woolos Road towards the City Centre. She was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital for treatment for minor facial injuries. The male is described as Asian in appearance, of medium build with short dark hair, five feet five inches to five feet seven inches tall, about 30 years of age wearing a blue v neck jumper.
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident take place, may have seen the victim walk through Newport or have any information that may assist them with their enquiries to call 01633 838 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
RINGLAND GATING ORDER CRITICISED
Llanwern Councillor Carole Attwell has criticised a Council gating order aimed at reducing anti social behaviour in the Ringland area. The City Council propose a gating order shutting off the underpass between Dawson Close in Ringland and the bottom of Cot Hill in Llanwern. The Council report states "representations have been received from residents of Dawson Close concerning anti social behaviour that occurs within the underpass which is situated at the eastern end of Dawson Close. Such representations have been received via the local Members and via Ringland Neighbourhood Committee and the residents have requested that the subway be permanently closed." Cllr Attwell stated that "Several requests for adequate consultation have been ignored or refused. This consultation with all Members is a farce as the 'gating' has been completed on the 25th
January. " The City Council responded that the gate had been shut in error but when the order is in place it will be closed everyday between 7.30pm and 7am
CAR PARK WILL 'NOT OPEN UNTIL JANUARY 2009
Newport Unlimited Chief Executive John Burrows reports in an article in today's Business Argus that the new Kingsway Car Park will not be complete until January 2009six months after the planned completion date.
