Flash flooding has caused damage to a dog rescue. Dozens of beds, toys, cleaning products and towels were ruined at Llanharan's Hope Rescue centre in Tuesday's torrential downpour.
Rain started pouring through the small gap between kennel roofs shortly after 5pm at the shelter on Llanharry Road, said its communications officer Laura Hallsmith. It came amid a Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms which saw various buildings flooded in areas including Port Talbot and Swansea.
Laura told WalesOnline: "Staff had to be called back and they were here until 8pm securing the building. The drainage system had overflowed and it was bringing dirt in. All the dogs were put in the back part of their kennel and shut in so the water didn't affect them. Staff were using buckets to get as much water out as possible.
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"Because it was so out of their routine, the dogs were very stressed, not just with the water coming in but their stuff being made wet and destroyed. The team did their best to keep them as calm as possible but these dogs are some of the most vulnerable in society and this could have been triggering for them."
With all 61 kennels in use, 40 had to be emptied of toys and bedding due to water damage. Some of the vet beds had cost more than £20 each. Cleaning products, utensils and towels were also lost to the flood. The centre is waiting for an assessment of whether the roof is damaged.
In an appeal for the public's help, Hope Rescue said in a statement: "The clean-up is still ongoing today (Wednesday), and the team are also working hard to ensure the dogs get extra time out after being disturbed last night. We are keen to replace the toys, vet bedding and cleaning products we've lost, so if anyone has some #WishlistWednesday love to give today we'd really appreciate it.
"You can find toys, vet beds and cleaning products through our Wishlist, or you can donate directly to us on Facebook or Instagram and we'll purchase what we need. ( https://bit.ly/3vy6ETK )
"You can also donate online ( https://bit.ly/3BiIDnv ), by calling us on 01443 226659 or by texting HOPERESCUE followed by your donation amount to 70085. You'll be opting in to hear more from us. Text HOPERESCUENOINFO to donate but not receive any further information."
Laura added: "The staff are definitely knackered but thankfully they're very passionate and dedicated people, and they did pull through. The dogs have had lots of love and attention today, lots of walks and plays, so we've tried to make the best of a very bad situation."
You can see how the flooding unfolded across Wales and more weather updates by visiting our live blog here.
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