The district informs: Protect animals from heat and sun
Summer is approaching and temperatures are rising: Heat and sun are not only a problem for humans, but also for pets and farm animals. The Food Monitoring, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district provides appropriate tips to protect them in hot weather. Generous shaded areas and a sufficient supply of fresh water are particularly important.
Enough shade, sufficient fresh water
The shaded areas, which should ideally be large enough to accommodate an entire herd, should, if possible, be located under larger groups of trees or protected from direct sunlight by shelters or shade nets. When it is hot, the animals try to give off heat by sweating, taking in more water and breathing more frequently or moistening the surface of their bodies. At the same time, they seek out the shaded areas to cool down and find protection from insects such as flies, horseflies or mosquitoes.
Herd animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, horses, pigs or poultry also tend to synchronise behaviour patterns such as feed intake, resting phases or rumination times among themselves. This means that the weather protection as well as the lying area must ideally be sized so that all animals can use them at the same time. In addition to the shaded areas, a sufficient supply of fresh water is also particularly important.
Increased animal welfare inspections
To protect animals, the district will carry out more animal welfare inspections in the coming weeks and months to ensure that animal keepers provide the appropriate framework conditions for their farm animals and pets. The Food Control, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service is also available to answer questions.