Kildare farmers and horse owners advised of risks during current cold weather by Senator

A Kildare-based Senator has released a statement advising farmers and horse owners of the risks which could befall their animals as a result of the current cold weather.

The call was made earlier today by Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.

Senator O'Loughlin has advised farmers and horse owners across the county to take extra care, particularly as the low temperatures are forecasted to continue.   

She explained: "Livestock, including younger stock, can cope with low temperatures provided they have plenty of feed and shelter. Water supply can be a problem, however, for both outwintered and housed livestock and horses during freezing conditions. All animals need free access to water.

"As a starting point, supplies of drinking water should be checked daily, and surface ice broken on troughs twice per day." 

The Newbridge politician continued: “Met Éireann is warning of bitterly cold conditions ahead as they issued nationwide low temperature and ice warnings, meaning the welfare of animals will be affected.

"The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has outlined additional steps on their website that can be taken to protect the welfare of horses and farm animals during periods of freezing weather."

She concluded: "I know that farmers and horse owners take great care of their animals all throughout the year, but with the ongoing freezing weather, I want to remind farmers and horse owners across Kildare to keep the risks of freezing weather in mind and take all the necessary steps to protect their animals over the coming days."

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fáil). File photograph.