AS the weather turns cold and Somerset experiences the first snow of winter, the West Hatch RSPCA centre is urging people to do their bit to help animals. 

The animal welfare charity is urging animal-lovers and pet-owners to Join The Christmas Rescue and help keep animals warm and safe this winter, particularly with snow and ice weather warnings in the north of England and Wales.

RSPCA West Hatch Centre Manager, Kayla Terry, said: “As the weather turns cold and the frosty mornings arrive, spare a thought for our animal friends who may be feeling the chill this winter. 

“We can all take simple steps to help keep our pets, livestock and wildlife safe this winter, and if we all do our bit, we can create a better world for every kind.

“Sadly, some animals are facing a really tough winter, and the cold weather will make it even more perilous. To help the RSPCA rescue more of the most vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect this winter, please Join The Christmas Rescue and donate today.”

Top cold weather tips

  1. Keep a close eye on outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs - consider moving them inside if the temperature drops but try to give them lots of time and space to exercise properly. If outside, give them lots of extra bedding and protect their home from adverse weather with insulating, ventilating covers, and keep them in a sheltered position raised off the ground by four inches and with a sloped roof.
  2. Ensure cats have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area such as an outbuilding or barn, and keep their bedding warm, dry and away from any draughts.
  3. Antifreeze and rock salt can be poisonous to pets so keep any stored products out of their reach. If you’re concerned your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t, please speak to your vet immediately. 
  4. If you have an elderly or sickly dog, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you’re out walking. Make sure it fits well and that they can still go to the toilet freely.
  5. When walking your dog or riding your horse in the dark, wear reflective clothing.
  6. Keep your pet dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger, and check their paws when you get back from walking to ensure they’re not covered in grit and don’t get impacted with snow.
  7. If you keep pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, then you should also protect them from the cold weather. Provide plenty of dry, warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and rain out. Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions so ensure they always have access to plenty of food and fresh water, ensuring water does not freeze over. 
  8. If you have a fish pond, check it every day to make sure the surface is not entirely frozen as poisonous gases can build up under the ice. Don’t break the ice as this can harm the fish, but carefully place a saucepan of hot water on the surface to gently melt a hole in the ice. Never tip boiling water straight onto the pond either, as this can also harm or kill any fish living there. And never try to use antifreeze or salt to thaw frozen ponds or birdbaths.
  9. Horses and livestock need extra care in the winter, such as adequate shelter to escape bad weather, extra feed as grass can be sparse, and regular checks on water troughs to keep them clear of ice. Give added protection with a waterproof rug, ensure they have access to dry standing areas, and check hooves regularly for loose shoes or signs of problems such as mud fever. Farmers and smallholders should give extra consideration to young animals and whether they need extra protection from the cold weather.
  10. Wildlife may need an extra helping hand during tough, winter conditions. Birds can struggle to find food during the winter months so, to help them stay strong over this period, householders can leave out extra food for them (like suitable seeds and grains such as oats and sunflower seeds; cooked pasta or rice; boiled potatoes, cheese, or uncooked unsalted bacon rind; raisins and sultanas; net-free fat or suet balls; apples, pears and soft fruits; insects such as mealworms or waxworms).
  11. Keep bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water, and keep feeders clean. 
  12. Carefully check any wood or leaf piles for wild animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and mice before lighting any fires or bonfires. If you find wild animals in hibernation, be sure to leave them be.
  13. We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs of dogs when they’re kept outside is very hard - and more so in very low temperatures. Owners should make sure their dogs have a clean, comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source, so the temperature does not drop below 10.

Join the Christmas Rescue

This Christmas should be a happy time for all, including the animals who share our lives.

Our cats will spend long winter nights curled up by our side, our dogs will play with wrapping paper, some animals will even receive their own special Christmas presents.

But without urgent action, not every animal will be as lucky.

While the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas, far too many animals are being left to suffer; Puppies are starving behind closed doors, cats are being left with no one to care for them.

Can it really be a happy Christmas when so many animals are still suffering?

Right now, too many animals are facing the worst times of their lives. Over the Christmas period alone, the RSPCA has reported they receive over 25,000 reports of animal suffering – including more than 700 on Christmas Day.

The RSPCA is encouraging volunteers to join the Christmas Rescue to build joy and safety to all animals. 

"For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come," RSPCA West Hatch Centre Manager, Kayla Terry, added.