Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Animal Welfare: Livestock in Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events including floods, droughts, wildfires and winter storms create acute welfare crises for farm animals requiring emergency planning and rapid response.

Key Facts

Flooding traps livestock without food, water or escape routes causing drowning and starvation
Wildfires cause burns, smoke inhalation and terror in trapped animals
Winter storms strand livestock outdoors without shelter in rapidly deteriorating conditions
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events affecting livestock
Emergency livestock welfare planning is required under some farm assurance schemes but compliance varies

Welfare Considerations

Emergency welfare preparedness is a welfare necessity, not an optional extra. Farmers who have emergency livestock plans can mobilise faster, minimise suffering and reduce mortality in extreme events. Plans should include emergency shelter, supplementary feed stocks, evacuation routes and emergency veterinary contacts. The welfare cost of unpreparedness is measured in animal suffering and deaths that proactive planning could prevent.

What You Can Do

Ensure your farm has a written emergency livestock welfare plan
Prepare emergency supplies including feed, water and medical equipment for extreme weather
Know your emergency veterinary contact arrangements for out-of-hours crisis situations
Engage with local farming groups and local authority emergency planning for agricultural areas