Farm Animals

Farm Animal Welfare During Heatwaves and Extreme Heat

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing escalating welfare risks to farmed animals across all species.

Key Facts

Pigs begin experiencing heat stress above 25 degrees C
Cattle can experience severe heat stress at temperatures humans find only warm
Poultry panting and spreading wings indicate thermoregulatory challenge
Mortality events during heatwaves affect all major farmed species
Early warning systems and pre-planned response protocols save animal lives

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes acute suffering and death in farm animals. As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, farm welfare planning must include cooling systems, stocking density reductions, and emergency protocols. This is an urgent welfare and food security issue.

What You Can Do

Support farm welfare regulations that include heat emergency requirements
Advocate for government heatwave planning to include farmed animals
Reduce consumption of animal products contributing to climate change