The RSPCA has issued a statement to Royal Welsh show organisers urging 'absolute priority' for animal welfare during the heatwave. Temperatures could reach highs of 35°C on the first two days of the show at Builth Wells next week. Read more about the weather warning issued for next week here.
The animal organisation is urging visitors and exhibitors to follow all advice from the show organisers to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees and the welfare of animals. Organisers have put plans in place to help keep the animals as cool as possible and a team of vets are on hand to monitor the situation.
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The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales Chris Jones has said that anyone who owns or is responsible for an animal has a "legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure its welfare needs are met." He is urging show exhibitors to inspect their animals often. If they have any concerns about the welfare of livestock, they should immediately contact the on-site veterinary team.
The RSCPA has welcomed the return of the show after coronavirus meant it has been cancelled for the past two years, but said that it is "really important" measures are taken to keep livestock and other animals safe and cool.
A statement said: "From ensuring good ventilation in marquees, to ensuring plenty of shade and clean water are available at all times, there's proactive steps that can be taken to help protect farm animals in the searing heat - which must be an absolute priority during the show."
They are also urging exhibitors not to transport animals in the hottest weather and have urged dog owners to leave their pets at home. The statement said: "Visitors are not permitted to bring their dogs to the show - aside from assistance dogs and competing dogs - and we fear this could lead to dogs being left in cars, which is extremely dangerous and could prove fatal. Anyone who sees a dog in distress in a hot car, should dial 999."
A new ventilation system has been installed in the sheep shed, arrivals times have been extended so animals are not transported during the hottest time of the day and a lower number of cattle entries mean there will be more space in the cattle sheds, which are already well-ventilated.
The Builth Wells Event Safety Group is also urging visitors to take care in the heat by following these tips:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide-brimmed hat
The safety group is also warning visitors not to try cooling off in nearby rivers as this could be dangerous and fatal. The group, which was formed in 2017 and led by Powys County Council, is responsible for reducing public risk and improve the safety of those in and around the show.
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