Response concerns raised by the public following reports of dogs becoming ill along certain beaches

Advice on Hemlock

Carmarthenshire County Council has become aware of concerns raised by the public following reports of dogs becoming ill along certain beaches.

The public are reminded to be aware of Hemlock, a poisonous plant that produces umbrella-like clusters of white flowers in summer. It can be found in damp places, such as ditches, riverbanks, and waste ground, but is not likely to be found on dynamic, exposed areas such as beaches, unless its roots are washed up on shore.

Hemlock is a tall, upright plant, that can be distinguished by the distinctive and unpleasant, mousy smell of its foliage and its purple-spotted stems. Its leaves are finely divided and large, whilst its flowers are small and white and appear in umbrella-like clusters.

Hemlock has a repellent smell when its leaves are crushed, helping to ensure that accidental poisonings don’t occur very often – even livestock studiously avoid it.

This biennial plant prefers damp places and can grow in large colonies on waste ground, riverbanks, and ditches, but can also be seen along roadside verges, but is normally dormant at this time of year with very little growth showing. The root of the plant has similarities to parsnips.

Cabinet Member responsible for Public Protection – Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said: “Hemlock is a toxic plant and the County Council strongly advise that if you come across the roots that you ensure you do not allow your dog to eat it and place your dog on a lead.

“We should also avoid touching the roots, which look similar to parsnips.”