During Severe Weather
During severe weather, although priority will be given to human needs, the welfare of animals is also important. Officials (Local Authorities and Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) will monitor the situation closely in liaison with the RSPCA, NFU, and other organisations who play a role in assisting farmers and pet owners to protect the welfare of their animals.
This page provides general advice on a variety of severe weather situations: severe cold weather, floods and hot weather
Latest news
Red diesel rules relaxed in cold snap (18 January 2013)
Responsibilities
Under the law an animal keeper has a duty of care to his animals and is required to take reasonable steps to protect their welfare and prevent suffering - the legal responsibility is with the animal’s owner/keeper.
Farmers are expected to take reasonable steps to address animal welfare contingency planning as part of their farm business planning where it is known or could be anticipated that livestock might be at risk during severe weather.
Equine industry guidelines on welfare similarly require such business continuity plans.
As a general principle, animals must not be left in circumstances where they’re likely to suffer. If it is possible to take action, even if that action is killing by a veterinary surgeon or other legally competent person, then action should be taken.
In an emergency Animal Health, Local Authorities, RSPCA and others will do what they can to provide advice, and to facilitate means to prevent or alleviate the suffering of animals.
Severe cold weather
Advice to Farmers
During periods of bad weather farmers will already be working to ensure livestock is protected from the severe weather and that food and water is available. Farmers will be best placed to identify and source feed and water for their animals, for example by co-operating with neighbours if supplies run short or access is difficult.
It is important to ensure that where animals are kept
This page provides general advice on a variety of severe weather situations: severe cold weather, floods and hot weather
Latest news
Red diesel rules relaxed in cold snap (18 January 2013)
Responsibilities
Under the law an animal keeper has a duty of care to his animals and is required to take reasonable steps to protect their welfare and prevent suffering - the legal responsibility is with the animal’s owner/keeper.
Farmers are expected to take reasonable steps to address animal welfare contingency planning as part of their farm business planning where it is known or could be anticipated that livestock might be at risk during severe weather.
Equine industry guidelines on welfare similarly require such business continuity plans.
As a general principle, animals must not be left in circumstances where they’re likely to suffer. If it is possible to take action, even if that action is killing by a veterinary surgeon or other legally competent person, then action should be taken.
In an emergency Animal Health, Local Authorities, RSPCA and others will do what they can to provide advice, and to facilitate means to prevent or alleviate the suffering of animals.
Severe cold weather
Advice to Farmers
During periods of bad weather farmers will already be working to ensure livestock is protected from the severe weather and that food and water is available. Farmers will be best placed to identify and source feed and water for their animals, for example by co-operating with neighbours if supplies run short or access is difficult.
It is important to ensure that where animals are kept