Concern: Alleged Organised Animal Cruelty at Bryn Pica Refuse Site

To whom it may concern,

Going about my daily duties today, 24 April 2025, I dropped off cat food at Bryn Pica refuse site for the feral cats who live there. This is something that I, and fellow cat lovers, do on a regular basis. Today I was told by the manager, who was very upset and angry, that one of their longest cat visitors, an 11-year-old black cat, had been hunted down and killed by a pack of dogs taken there by two men for that very purpose. This isn’t the first time. This poor cat, who had learnt to trust humans, had been brutally killed whilst these men watched and encouraged.

The RSPCA have been contacted, and the police, but the latter can’t pursue the matter. The refuse recycling centre at Bryn Pica has footage of this savage attack- it shows both men and the car used to transport a number of dogs. The manager told me that there have been up to 20 men and young boys there encouraging the hunting of poor, defenceless animals. I’m asking for some local publicity to stop this from happening- the men at Bryn Pica are horrified by this animal baiting too.

Please help to stop this by drawing attention to what is happening there and hopefully deterring this from happening again. Last year, they shot one cat in its eye, fortunately, it was rescued by Moggies Cat Rescue and treated.

Yours faithfully

Names and email addresses supplied.

Following this email, AberdareOnline contacted Rhondda Cynon Taf Council with the response below. I must add that the RSPCA were contacted by the email sender but has not responded back to her.

Thank you for your email of 24^th April 2025 and your further email received on 28^th April 2025.

An initial investigation in relation to the alleged ‘organised animal cruelty’ at Bryn Pica has been undertaken. Following discussions with staff I can confirm that an incident occurred within the Biogen AD Plant on Saturday 12^th April 2025. For accuracy, the incident was not witnessed by Amgen staff, however from discussions with Biogen staff and members of South Wales Police we have obtained and recorded the following details.

1. It is reported that the incident occurred inside the Biogen Bryn Pica (AD Plant) on Saturday 12^th April 2025 at around 12:50 pm and that two individuals with dogs were recorded walking along the lane alongside the eastern boundary of the site. At this time an attack on a feral cat by dogs occurred inside the Biogen Plant site boundary and was recorded on CCTV Cameras operated by Biogen. Amgen Officers have requested a copy of the CCTV footage from Biogen and are awaiting a response subject to the relevant legislative obligations.

2. The initial investigation has indicated that the dogs passed either through or underneath the palisade fence that surrounds the Biogen site and proceeded to undertake a fatal attack on the cat. At this time we have no evidence to suggest that the dog owners passed onto the Biogen or Amgen sites at any time.

3. Following detection of the incident by Biogen staff, it was reported by them to the Police and the RSPCA were also informed. We understand that evidence has been shown to the Police.

We in no way would seek to diminish the abhorrent nature of the attack and accept that the Company has a duty to care for all animals in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance. We would respond as follows to your specific points:

was brutally killed by a group of dogs brought there by two men, with the intention of hunting it down. The site manager, understandably distressed, informed her that this is not the first such incident.

Whether or not the attack was planned is unknown to Amgen Officers. In respect of this not being the first such incident, I would confirm that there was a previous anecdotal report of an incident of a potential injury to a feral cat; however we have no information of where or when that occurred and I would reassure you that Amgen condemns such unacceptable behaviour.

The attack was captured on CCTV, clearly identifying the individuals and the vehicle used.

Yes, the attack was captured by CCTV operated by Biogen (Bryn Pica) Ltd., the private operator of the Anaerobic Food Waste Digestion Plant. We understand that the footage was captured as part of routine CCTV coverage. Amgen Officers have requested further information from Biogen.

This is part of a pattern of abuse, with up to 20 men and young boys allegedly involved in encouraging such cruel acts.

Amgen Officers are not aware of any information relating to this statement. The Company employs fulltime security guards, outside working hours. Guards patrol the site to monitor for potential trespass.

Law enforcement have apparently been contacted but are unable to pursue the matter further.

We can confirm that Biogen staff reported the matter to the Police.

There is existing documentation of prior incidents, including a shooting injury to another cat last year.

Amgen Officers are not aware of any documentation relating to a previous incident. As I noted above, there was an anecdotal report of an incident of a potential injury to a feral cat; however we have no information of where or when that occurred.

I would like to ask:

How is such appalling activity able to take place on council property?

Whilst we would in no way seek to diminish the abhorrent nature of this attack, for accuracy the incident did not occur on a site operated by the Council or its waste management Company Amgen Cymru and as stated above Biogen reported the incident.

What immediate steps are being taken by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to ensure the protection of animals at Bryn Pica?

As stated above the incident occurred at the Biogen plant, however Amgen staff work with a local individual interested in the welfare of any feral cats that may visit the Bryn Pica site. Both Amgen and all staff members we have spoken to, condemn this cruel incident.

The Company permits access to the Bryn Pica site so that the welfare of any animals can be monitored, and treatment administered where applicable. We consider the incident to be an isolated incident and we will continue to work with our security provider to take all reasonable steps to ensure the site is secure from trespass. Our staff already act in a responsible manner to help ensure the welfare of feral cats at the site. Relevant information in respect of this incident will be communicated to staff in support of continued vigilance in this regard and also encourage them to report any suspicion of mistreatment or incidents of uncontrolled dogs in the vicinity of the site.

Can the Council confirm whether it has reviewed the CCTV footage and whether this has been formally handed over to the relevant authorities?

As noted, the incident was captured by the private operator of the AD Plant site. Amgen Officers have requested that a copy of the CCTV footage is provided by Biogen. As noted above, we understand that the footage has already been shown to the Police.

What message will the Council issue to publicly condemn these actions and reassure residents that such cruelty will not be tolerated?

The Council and Amgen Cymru condemn animal cruelty and will liaise with Police and RSPCA as necessary in relation to any reported incidents. Amgen are continuing to investigate this incident through liaison with Biogen. The outcome of those investigations will determine what further actions Amgen/ the Council will consider necessary.

I trust the above answers your enquiry.