While few farmers willingly jeopardise the well-being of their animals, sometimes the health of individual sheep and cattle can be compromised in the interest of general flock or herd welfare unless care is taken – especially during a drought.

Cattle need 2% of body weight of hay. Photo Wayne Martin.

Sheep should not be deprived of water for more than 48 hours and in hot weather for no more than 24 hours. Water sources should be reliable and the water clean.

Factors which increase water requirements include lactation, pregnancy, hot and dry weather, sparse and dry feed. If these conditions apply, individual sheep may drink up to 6 litres of water or more daily.  If you are feeding out hay or pellets to your sheep remember to ensure they have access to water.

For cattle and deer, water is even more critical and essentially, they must have access to water at all times.

Where planning to move stock for grazing from a drought-stricken farm, only fit and healthy animals should be selected for travel.

Matters that must be taken into account are body condition, clinical evidence of disease or parasitism, and injuries or other physical defects. Animals must be able to stand and bear weight on all limbs and be fit enough to be able to withstand the journey without suffering unnecessary pain, suffering or distress.

‘To bear weight’ means that the animal must be able to take weight on all limbs to stabilise itself during transport. If there is any doubt, contact a veterinarian for advice or do not transport the animal.

Climatic extremes place livestock under considerable stress. This in turn leads to animals becoming more vulnerable to the effects of disease. In drought conditions, management of animal health is critical to the protection of animal welfare.

An animal in poor condition performs poorly and becomes a liability instead of an asset. Good animal welfare means good production.

Animals must not be allowed to suffer – and if you must make a difficult decision, do not delay it.  Not only is this cruel and unfair to your stock – it is illegal under The Animals Welfare Act 1999 which makes provision for the protection of animals and the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Specifically, certain sections of the Act indicate that an offence is committed if anyone:

• Being the owner or person in charge of any animal, omits to supply the animal with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter.
• Being the owner or person in charge of any animal, without reasonable excuse, neglects the animal so that it suffers unreasonable or unnecessary pain or suffering.
• Keeps alive any animal that is in such a condition that it is cruel to keep it alive.