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.

Licensing authorities yet to explain purpose of visit at one of the UK’s largest dog rescues

INSPECTORS have visited the premises of one of the UK’s largest dog rescue organisations, with police attending in a supporting capacity during the operation.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were present at Many Tears Animal Rescue in Carmarthenshire on Tuesday (Mar 10) but stressed that their role was limited to preventing any breach of the peace.

The force said the visit took place without any need for police intervention, and directed enquiries about the purpose of the visit to Animal Licensing Wales, which oversees animal establishment licensing across Wales.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Officers attended the premises in a supporting capacity only, to prevent any breach of the peace. The visit took place without any need of police involvement or intervention.”

The police statement indicates that the visit itself was led by another agency rather than being a police investigation.

The RSPCA Cymru has also confirmed it was not involved in the visit.

An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said: “The RSPCA did not attend this premises on March 10 so did not participate in any visit that took place.”

Many Tears Animal Rescue, based near Llanelli, is one of the largest dog rescue charities operating in the UK, rehoming thousands of animals each year and receiving dogs from a range of sources including commercial breeding establishments and other rescues.

Sources have told The Herald that investigators attended the site earlier this week, though the purpose and scope of the visit has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald has contacted Animal Licensing Wales, which administers animal establishment licensing under Welsh Government regulations, to clarify whether the visit formed part of a routine inspection, a complaint-led investigation, or an enforcement action.

At the time of publication, the organisation had not yet responded.

The Herald has also approached Many Tears Animal Rescue for comment.

Animal Licensing Wales operates under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021, which require organisations involved in activities such as animal boarding, breeding, and rehoming to meet strict standards relating to welfare, veterinary care, record-keeping, and the management of animals on site.

Any inspection or enforcement action carried out under the regulations can result in improvement notices, licence conditions being altered, or in serious cases the suspension or revocation of a licence.

It remains unclear whether the visit to the Carmarthenshire rescue was part of a routine regulatory inspection or a response to specific concerns.

The Herald will update this story when further information becomes available.

COLLEAGUES at First Milk’s Haverfordwest Creamery in Merlin’s Bridge have helped cycle more than 5,800 kilometres during a fundraising challenge supporting Prostate Cancer UK.

The Bike the Hedgerows challenge saw teams across First Milk sites keep static bikes moving continuously for 24 hours from midday on 5 March to midday on 6 March, with remote riders also contributing miles during the weekend.

Together they aimed to cycle the equivalent distance of the hedgerows found on dairy cooperative First Milk’s member farms, 5,564 kilometres. By the end of the challenge, colleagues and supporters had cycled 5,884.08km in 5,564 minutes, exceeding the target by more than 320 kilometres.

So far, the challenge has raised over £2,000, helping take First Milk’s total fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK to over £16,000, with donations still continuing to come in.

Commenting on the challenge First Milk’s Chief Impact Officer Mark Brooking said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people get behind Bike the Hedgerows. Colleagues, members and community partners all played a role in helping us exceed the challenge and raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Prostate cancer touches many families within farming and rural communities, so supporting the charity is something that means a great deal to people across First Milk. As a farmer-owned co-operative, we believe in supporting the communities we’re part of and backing charities that make a real difference.”

At the Haverfordwest Creamery, colleagues were supported by local businesses to help keep the wheels turning including S7 Fitness, Will Powders, J’s Muscle & Fitness, Tenby Penguins Swim & Tri Club, Nestlé UK & Ireland, Pembrokeshire Leisure and the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Community.

Bike the Hedgerows forms part of First Milk’s two-year partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, chosen by colleagues and members because many within the farming community have been affected by the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with risk increasing for those over 50 or with a family history.

First Milk is a British farmer-owned dairy co-operative whose members produce milk on farms across the UK. The Bike the Hedgerows challenge brought colleagues, members and community partners together to raise funds while helping spark conversations about men’s health in rural communities.