Extreme weather is expected to affect large parts of England early next week, with temperatures of 40°C being forecast and the Met Office issuing the first ever ‘Red’ warning for exceptional heat.
Such extreme temperatures will create very difficult conditions for farm animals, particularly in overcrowded indoor factory farms. Heat stress can prove fatal.
In hot weather, the transportation of farmed animals should be limited to night time only and with no long journeys to avoid heat stress. The law requires vehicles to be ventilated to keep temperatures below 30°C – this is clearly not possible in current conditions.
These increased temperatures, and other severe weather conditions seen across the globe, highlight the escalating climate crisis we are facing.
The livestock sector is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gases, so it is vital that world leaders acknowledge the significant role livestock emissions play in the climate crisis.

Nick Palmer, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said:

“The impact of extreme weather on animals on farms and during transport can be extreme and sometimes fatal, especially in crowded factory farms.

“That’s why we are urging farmers to do all they can to safeguard the welfare of their animals during this extreme period of weather and to ensure animals are only transported at night and on short journeys only to avoid unnecessary suffering.

“Such extreme temperatures highlight the escalating climate crisis we are facing. The livestock sector is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gases – more than all direct emissions from the transport sector. However, despite the significant role livestock emissions play in the current climate emergency, our global leaders continue to bury their heads in the sand, failing to address the issue.

“Without a big decrease in meat and dairy consumption in all but the poorest countries, it will be almost impossible to avoid dangerous levels of climate change and we will continue to see worrying record-breaking temperatures. Are we really willing to risk frying the planet to satisfy our appetite for cheap meat?”

To request a pdf version of this media statement, please email media.team@ciwf.org.uk

For further information or to arrange an interview contact Compassion in World Farming’s Media Team: 01483 521 615 media.team@ciwf.org.uk

Compassion urges farmers to safeguard farm animal welfare and limit journeys during extreme heatwave