Defra is being urged to suspend journeys for farmed animals in the current heatwave.

With temperatures expected to reach 35°C in parts of the UK this week, Compassion in World Farming is calling on Defra to suspend journeys for farmed animals during this extreme heat unless absolutely necessary.

Last month's heatwave and the one currently underway create very difficult conditions for farmed animals, particularly in overcrowded indoor factory farms and during transportation, where heat stress can prove fatal.

Farmers are being urged to reduce stocking densities and increase ventilation in indoor systems and to ensure access to shade and fresh water at all times to help prevent animal suffering.

UK law requires livestock vehicles to be ventilated to keep temperatures below 30°C – but this will not be possible in the temperatures expected.

Phil Brook, research manager at Compassion in World Farming, said: “In the extreme weather conditions expected, it’s vital that Defra suspends any long journeys for farmed animals to avoid undue suffering from heat exhaustion.

“The heat inside the trucks can be unbearable with animals desperately panting for air. Long journeys should be suspended and short journeys should only take place if absolutely necessary and at night when it’s cooler. Sufficient water must also always be within reach to avoid dehydration.

“It is simply not possible to ventilate lorries so that temperatures remain at a reasonable level in temperatures over 30 degrees. That’s why we’re calling on Defra to suspend long journeys and to issue advice to farmers to improve ventilation and reduce stocking densities in what are often already overcrowded indoor factory farms. Animals reared outdoors must have access to shade and fresh water at all times."

Compassion in World Farming was founded in 1967 by a British dairy farmer who became horrified at the development of intensive factory farming. Today Compassion is a global movement dedicated to ending factory farming and achieving humane and sustainable food.