An investigation into a pet cremation business in Kington has left dog owners across Wales and England fearing that the ashes they received may not belong to their beloved pets. Photos surfaced online on July 9 showing an unlocked van filled with bags of animal corpses and a pile of ashes and bones at the Animal Funeral Services site.
Dog Owner Devastated by Uncertainties
Trish Morgan, 65, from Sarn in Powys, described her devastation after learning of the probe. Her Jack Russell and King Charles spaniel cross, Mitzee, died in July 2024 and was taken to Animal Funeral Services by Trefaldwyn Vets in Montgomery. Morgan paid extra for the ashes and kept them by her bedside, often talking to them. After seeing the photos, she said: "I got ashes back but I know they are not her. There were skips full of ashes and we probably had a handful of them in the box and were told it was her." She added that the ordeal was "worse than losing her at the beginning."
Multiple Agencies Investigating
Herefordshire Council, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the RSPCA, and other agencies are carrying out inquiries. An APHA inspector issued a stop notice on July 9 prohibiting the site from conducting any operations using animal by-products, citing multiple non-compliances with ABP regulations. A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and our animal health team is making enquiries to establish the circumstances."
Vet Practices Reassure Customers
Several veterinary practices have distanced themselves from the business. Ddole Road Veterinary Clinic in Llandrindod Wells stated it does not use Animal Funeral Services, instead entrusting cremations to Summerleaze Pet Crematorium in Newport, which they visit regularly. Trefaldwyn Vets has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
Company Claims Professional Service
Animal Funeral Services' website claims to offer a "highly professional and personal pet cremation service" established since 1987, stating: "Give your pet the farewell it deserves." The company has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
Impact on Pet Owners
Morgan expressed a desire for answers and called for regular checks on such facilities. "I put my trust in the vets – I know it's not their fault but places like this should be checked out regularly," she said. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the non-compliance.
