Four sculptures have been removed from a new art trail after incidents of vandalism. The statues are large depictions of the famous dog Snoopy designed by local artists across south Wales.
The sculptures are part of the "A Dog's Trail" project featuring 40 large Snoopy statues, and 75 smaller ones scattered across south Wales. The trail launched on Friday, April 8, and just one day later was targeted by vandals.
Now, the trail's organisers are asking the public to take extra car e when interacting with the trail. They say that the damage is "devastating" for everyone involved.
Read more: Here's everything you need to know about the trail.
In a statement on social media, organisers A Dog's trail said: "We're sorry to bring you such sad news so early on in the trail but unfortunately we have had to remove dour of our Snoopy sculptures from the trail due to vandalism.
"This is devastating, not only for us but for the artists who put so much hard work into their designs, the sculpture sponsors and of course the public who want to enjoy this beautiful art trail. A Dog's Trail was designed to bring the people of South Wales together, to be a tourist in your own towns and cities and be proud of the creativity within the region.
"We're hopeful we can repair the sculptures and have them re-join the pack but we are urging the public to look after our Snoopy sculptures, take pride in the artwork and not climb or hang on them, to keep them looking their best so we can raise as much money as possible at the auction in June to help Dogs trust continue to care for dogs across Wales.
"We are also liaising with police about the damage."
The four sculptures are:
- Welsh Wildflowers - rear of Caerphilly Castle
- Tally - Llandaff Fields
- Peek a Boop - Victoria Park
- A Dog's Dream - City Hall
The artist behind the Victoria Park Snoopy, Layla Holzer, 37, said: "I don't really have much to say other than it's devastating to see the sculptures being treated like this. Myself and the other artists put in a lot of hours into creating these for the public to enjoy and ultimately for charity so to see directed attacks on them is very disheartening for all involved and for those visiting the trail. Hopefully mine will be able to to repaired at the Snoopy Vets so he can re-join the pack."
On the launching of the trail, Rebecca Staden, Project Manager, said: “We are so excited to finally unleash our Snoopy sculptures across South Wales and can’t wait to see everyone out there exploring the city over the next eight weeks. A Dog’s Trail will offer everyone, two and four-legged, a fabulous day out and will get people exploring parts of south Wales they may not have visited before, while helping to support the care we provide to thousands of dogs across south Wales each year.”
