Prepare your animals for severe weather says States Vet

Saturday 01 February 2014

With rain, strong winds and cold temperatures forecast for Jersey over the next few days the States Vet is reminding Islanders looking after livestock to take extra care of their animals.

States Veterinary officer Linda Lowseck says long periods of wet weather can be a problem for animals if they are not fit and healthy and is advising owners that livestock should have access to some form of shelter in severe weather. The Met Office say that the weekend is likely to see stormy conditions, with a combination of strong winds, swell and high tides is likely to cause flooding and may lead to closures on coastal roads.

Ms Lowseck said: “Prepare for severe weather by considering whether you can give your animals access to less exposed fields or accommodation or whether you have an alternative in the event of flooding.”

Since the start of the year the Department of the Environment’s Animal Health and Welfare section has received a large number of calls from Islanders concerned about animals out in fields in wet weather. Ms Lowseck says that in most cases the animals are cared for and well and can withstand ordinary winter weather.

She said: “It’s encouraging that people are concerned about animal welfare, but if you see animals out in the rain it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re suffering. For example, they may have access to shelter or may be brought in at night. Or perhaps their owner may judge, as a result of their experience of caring for livestock, that the animals are hardy enough and have a warm enough winter coat to withstand our normal winter weather.”

In 2013 the Animal Health and Welfare section received 136 calls from the public concerned about animal welfare matters. 76 calls were about pet dogs, cats and rodents, 16 calls were in relation to cattle, sheep goats and pigs and 34 calls concerned horses.