WITH ALL the extreme weather we’ve been experiencing lately it’s important to remember that we’re not the only ones who are affected by adverse weather conditions as pets are particularly vulnerable to the ever changing extreme weather conditions.
While we can turn up the heating or use extra blankets during bad weather, our pets need us to make sure that they are protected.
The Irish Society of Prevention to Cruelty to Animals have echoed these sentiments in a recent statement, calling on all pet owners “to be particularly vigilant of their animals during the current cold snap to avoid cases of unnecessary suffering arising”. Sadly according to the ISPCA they have witnessed many cases of cruelty and neglect in recent weeks due to the adverse weather conditions and they are urging people to ensure animals are not placed at risk. ISPCA Chairperson Barbara Bent, offers the following advice: “Since the beginning of the cold snap, we have witnessed an increase in reports of animals being left without sufficient food, water and shelter. We are calling on animal owners and members of the public to be vigilant during the current cold spell and the following winter months to report any neglect or cruelty to animals to the ISPCA on our National Animal Helpline  at 1890 515 515 or to our local member societies.” The ISPCA have also compiled a special list of tips to help promote the consideration of animals this Winter:
• Ensure all animals that are outside have access to food, clean water and shelter including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep and birds.
• Don’t leave dogs on the doorstep all day, or in a kennel with the door open facing into the freezing wind and snow. If a dog is chained in an open kennel it won’t be able to move around in order to keep warm.
• Dogs that normally live in an outside kennel should be put into a garage, or shed at night, instead of being left in an open kennel.
• When you are feeding the birds in your garden, you can use peanuts, birdseed or even some oatmeal. Don’t forget to put water out too.
• Feral cats can get hungry too, so people should ensure there is an adequate supply of food left out for them.
• Horses, cattle and sheep need hay when the ground is frozen or in the snow. Be sure to call the National Animal Helpline at 1890 515 515 if you see farm animals or horses outside with no feed.• Tethered horses are also very vulnerable to the cold, wind and snow.
• Exotic pets need warmth more than ever in this weather, especially if there is an electricity outage. People who own this type of animal must ensure there is enough heat wherever they are kept.
• Elderly neighbours who have pets may need help to source, buy or carry home their pet food. If you’re visiting an elderly relative or neighbour, offer to bring food for their pets, as well as groceries for the elderly person themselves. You should also check that the animals have sufficient warmth and shelter.
• If you witness any incident of cruelty to animals, call the National Animal Helpline at 1890 515 515 to make a report.
Barbara Bent commented: “The advice is simple: consider the welfare of all animals during the cold weather and report any cruelty or neglect that you see. If everyone is vigilant, we can avoid further cases of suffering.” The ISPCA also urgently needs donations to help in protecting animals at risk in Ireland and in prosecuting those individuals who are responsible for acts of cruelty, this can be done online at www.ispca.ie
Other handy tips include: •During winter, cats can sometimes sleep under the bonnets of cars and can be killed when the motor is started. If cats live in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during winter. A car can act as a refrigerator in cold weather, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
• If your dog spends a lot of time enjoying outdoor activities, increase their supply of food to keep them and their coat in good shape.
Finally, and it might sound far fetched, but we’re not the only ones who feel down during the winter, pet depression is also prominent in the winter months when days are shorter and cold weather means less time outside. Making sure your animal is getting a sufficient amount of exercise and is groomed for wellness so they can fight off any winter blues!

GOOD news this week for pet lovers and TV buffs alike with the arrival of brand new weekly series ‘Ireland’s A&E’ on TV3. The real life, medical style drama which started this Wednesday January 6 at 7.30pm broadcasts all the drama and emotion from inside some of Ireland’s busiest Veterinary clinics.
Over the years there has been plenty of popular pet based shows like Animal Hospital with Rolf Harris and Pet Rescue in the UK and Vets on Call on RTE television.
This new series however will be presented by Michael Hayes from the ‘How Low can you Go’ travel series and former continuity presenter Andrea Hayes and promises to bring us some amazing heartwarming moments with some emotional storylines too.
The series will follow the daily routine of the various veterinary clinics, behind the scenes with the vets on call and the challenges they face everyday.
From the initial consultation through to surgery and recovery, the programme will introduce us to a variety of animals, and owners, including a 10 foot python, an exotic bearded dragon, playful ferrets as ‘well as the more common but equally lovable domestic dogs and cats!
Each week they will also be out on the road with the ISPCA Animal Rescue service, as they highlight the crucial work done in rehabilitating and re-homing cruelly treated and neglected animals. Definately one for the diary!