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Storm Arwen: Pup dies, roof torn off Llanelli dog rescue centre

BBC Puppies lying on hot water bottlesBBC
The rescue centre is using hot water bottles to keep puppies warm while it is without electricity

A puppy has died at a dog rescue centre as one of its buildings suffered serious damage in Storm Arwen.

The roof was ripped off the building at Many Tears Animal Rescue in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, overnight.

Owner Sylvia Van Atta said the new-born puppy died at the centre which has been without power and hot water since the early hours.

Wales has been battered by wind gusts of up to 81mph (130km/h) with a weather warning in place for most of Saturday.

"The sheets of metal blew off the roof of the building which we use as both a stable and a classroom, and flew over our heads, narrowly avoiding the kennels where we keep the dogs," she said.

Two people who on a roof
Repair work is being carried out on Saturday

"We are working to patch up the roof now before the winds pick up again, but it will all have to be replaced.

"It will cost thousands of pounds to repair."

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Ms Van Atta posted a video on Facebook highlighting the damage which has been shared hundreds of times and attracted 1,000 comments within a few hours on Saturday.

An appeal for help has also raised in excess of £37,000.

"The dogs all have little jumpers on because we haven't got the power to keep them warm," she said.

"People think dogs don't need to be kept warm, but they do.

"We are trying to fill up hot water bottles too from other sources so we can keep them warm."