The Animal Rights Coalition would like the public to be aware of the temperatures which have already soared to extreme high levels. These levels are as dangerous and uncomfortable to all animals as they are to us humans. For all of those who own a pet it is advisable to ensure that double the quantity of water is always available for their intake and this is to be checked at regular intervals, to avoid dehydration. Avoid taking your dog for a walk in the heat and

even when the sun is not at its worst, carry a supply of water for refreshment to relieve their thirst.

Farm animals should be treated with this same respect and dogs on roofs should be banned once and for all even if they may have a shaded area to retreat to. Such dogs often suffer burnt paws apart from the fact that dogs are companion animals and require human companionship; this also applies to dogs locked in garages.

As for working animals, shelters and water points are mandatory under EU laws. We must insist that these laws are implemented. It is therefore our duty to safeguard all animals, especially at this time of year when animals are seen to suffer unnecessarily through human selfishness or ignorance. We must all work at improving existing laws and insist to change any archaic laws in order that we protect all God’s creatures.

■ Myriam Kirmond

OBO Animal Rights Coalition