PET owners are being warned to avoid buying lilies this Mother’s Day after experts said the popular flowers can be fatal to cats.

The warning has been issued by the RSPCA ahead of Mothering Sunday (March 15), with the charity urging people to choose pet-friendly flowers instead.

RSPCA animal welfare expert Lauren Bennett said: “Flowers are a lovely gift for Mother’s Day, and like many people I enjoy receiving them whatever the occasion. But sadly some flowers and plants can be toxic to our pets, so it’s important to avoid these where animals are present.

“Lilies are a particular concern because they are so popular at this time of year, yet many people do not realise just how dangerous they are to cats. Even small amounts of petals can be deadly, and the leaves, pollen and even the water from the vase can pose a serious risk.

“It is vital that people understand lilies can be lethal to cats. Even cutting the stamens out once they have opened is not enough. A small amount of pollen can transfer to a cat’s fur and when they groom themselves, they can quickly become seriously ill.”

The charity says cat owners can help prevent accidental poisoning by choosing alternative flowers when buying bouquets this weekend.

Lauren added: “Cats can suffer terribly after lily poisoning and it is heartbreaking for owners to witness. Thankfully it is easy to avoid. We all want to treat mums this Mother’s Day, but if they are also cat mums, please do not buy them lilies.”

The RSPCA also warned that other plants including daffodils, tulips, holly and hyacinths can be toxic to cats and dogs.

Even flowers considered non-toxic can still cause stomach upset if eaten, so the charity advises keeping all plants and bouquets well out of reach of pets.

The charity added that chocolate poisoning remains the most commonly reported type of animal poisoning, and people are being urged to keep Mother’s Day treats away from curious pets.

Lauren said: “If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately for advice. Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your pet has eaten and what type it was. If possible, keep the packaging and have your pet’s weight to hand.”

Signs of possible poisoning in pets can include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, twitching or seizures.

The RSPCA is encouraging pet owners to share the advice to help keep animals safe during the Mother’s Day celebrations.

For more information about toxic substances affecting pets, visit the Veterinary Poisons Information Service website.

CONSULTATION DRAWS JUST 25 RESIDENTS AS RUNNING COST ESTIMATES VARY BY TENS OF THOUSANDS

THE PROPOSED transfer of Fishguard Town Hall to the town council has come under scrutiny after documents revealed conflicting estimates of the building’s running costs.

Freedom of Information responses and council documents suggest the historic building could cost tens of thousands of pounds a year to operate, raising questions about whether Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council can afford to take on responsibility for it.

Budget links tax rise to town hall plan

A budget report prepared by Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council shows the authority planning £166,336 in spending for the 2025–26 financial year, an increase on the previous year.

Within the administration section of the proposed budget, the council confirms that £20,000 has been allocated towards the proposed Community Asset Transfer of Fishguard Town Hall from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The document also links a proposed 16 per cent increase in the council’s precept directly to the takeover proposal.

After two years with no increase due to the cost-of-living crisis, the report states the rise is “directly related to the proposed CAT of Fishguard Town Hall.”

The council plans to request a £147,070 precept for the coming year.

Dispute over running costs

However, debate over the plan has intensified after different figures emerged for the building’s running costs.

Pembrokeshire County Council has said the average annual cost of utilities — including gas, electricity, water and sewage — for the building over the past three years was between £25,000 and £30,000.

But other figures circulating locally suggest the costs may be far higher.

One estimate cited by residents claims energy bills alone could be around £47,000 a year.

Separate operational figures released through a county council Freedom of Information request indicate that when staffing, maintenance, utilities and business rates are included, the total cost of running the building could exceed £70,000 annually.

Consultation numbers raise questions

Consultation figures released by the Town Council also show relatively modest public engagement with the proposal.

According to the council, 25 people attended the public consultation meeting held at the Town Hall.

A further 93 paper survey responses and 17 online responses were submitted through the council’s consultation process.

The council has not yet published the draft business plan or energy survey relating to the building, stating the documents are still under review.

Transfer still undecided

The potential Community Asset Transfer of Fishguard Town Hall from Pembrokeshire County Council to the town council has been under discussion since 2024, but the arrangement has not yet been formally agreed by either authority.

If the transfer goes ahead, responsibility for operating and maintaining the building would pass from the county council to Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.

Supporters of the proposal say it would give the community greater control over the future of the historic building.

However, critics argue the long-term costs could place significant pressure on the town council’s finances.

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN joined students from schools across Pembrokeshire for a careers event aimed at inspiring the next generation of workers in the region.

The event, organised by the SPARC Alliance, took place at the Canolfan Arloesedd y Bont / Bridge Innovation Centre. Pupils were given the opportunity to learn about a range of career opportunities available at the port and the wider maritime sector.

Representing the Port of Milford Haven were Pilot Jamie Furlong, Project Manager Claire Lawrence, Environmental & Sustainability Assistant Bethan Davie, HR Director Vidette Swales and Stakeholder Engagement Executive Emily Jones.

Students spoke directly with the team about different roles within the organisation and the skills needed to work in areas such as shipping operations, project management, environmental work and stakeholder engagement.

The Port thanked the SPARC Alliance for hosting the event and said supporting initiatives that connect young people with employers and highlight opportunities in Pembrokeshire is something it is proud to be part of.