Farm Animal Welfare

Livestock Extreme Weather Welfare UK

Extreme weather events including heat waves, floods, and severe winters pose acute welfare risks to UK livestock, requiring emergency management planning.

Key Facts

The 2022 UK heat event caused cattle heat stress, reduced milk yield, and elevated mortality in poultry
Flooding events can strand livestock on isolated land or require emergency evacuation
Prolonged cold snaps cause hypothermia in young lambs and outdoor pigs without shelter
Emergency welfare planning is a requirement under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Climate projections indicate increasing frequency of all three extreme weather types in UK

Welfare Considerations

Extreme weather welfare planning is no longer optional; proactive preparedness including shelter provision, water management, and evacuation plans saves animal lives and reduces suffering.

What You Can Do

Develop a farm emergency welfare plan for heat, flood, and winter scenarios
Ensure adequate shade, ventilation, and water provision for all species in warm weather
Register livestock emergency needs with your local authority and agricultural network