Sanctuary cut off by rising waters
Owner Alison Clark, who runs Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Trimsaran, described spending hours waist‑deep in water on Tuesday afternoon as she tried to keep her 37 dogs safe. Posting on Facebook in the early hours, she said:
“The floods came along with the devastation. From 2pm I have been waist deep in water trying to keep the dogs safe. Everything is gone, I’m broken.”
As water levels rose, Ms Clark moved the animals higher through the building until 28 dogs were confined to crates in the loft. She told BBC Radio Wales that “every level we went up, the water followed.”
Fire crews rescue 34 dogs
At 7.11pm on Tuesday, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) crews from Gorseinon and Cymmer were called to the sanctuary. Using rescue sleds, they brought 34 dogs to safety in what officers described as extremely challenging conditions.
Dyfed‑Powys Police praised the joint effort of firefighters and partner charities, including Many Tears Animal Rescue, who worked for several hours to ensure the frightened animals were safe.
Major incident declared
The rescue formed part of a wider emergency response as torrential rain and high tides caused widespread flooding across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.
MAWWFRS declared a major incident overnight, with its Joint Fire Control Centre handling more than 450 calls in just 12 hours. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery said:
“Our crews have been truly exceptional in assisting and protecting our communities. We are extremely grateful to all partner agencies who have assisted in responding to incidents during a prolonged and challenging period.”
Among the most serious incidents, 48 residents were evacuated from a retirement housing complex in Whitland, while crews also led people to safety in Ferryside, Lampeter and St Clears.
“Everything’s gone”
Back at Glanrhyd, Ms Clark said the flooding had destroyed bedding, food supplies and equipment, leaving her with only two bags of dog food and no electricity. “It’s just devastating, everything’s gone,” she said.
She now plans to build permanent kennels in the loft to provide safer space for the dogs if flooding happens again.
