Europe is experiencing one of its most severe June heatwaves on record and animals are suffering. Temperatures above 40°C have been recorded in several countries, with heat warnings issued across much of the continent.
While millions of people are trying to stay cool, animals are also struggling. Wildlife rescue centres are receiving more dehydrated animals, veterinarians are treating pets for heatstroke, and zoos are introducing special cooling measures.
The Animal Reader is following the latest developments on how the heatwave is affecting animals across Europe. If you see an animal suffering from heat stress, contact your local animal rescue organisation or veterinarian as soon as possible.
Police called after sheep left without shade during Dutch heatwave
Animal welfare organisation Wakker Dier reported this week that police responded after a complaint about sheep standing in a field without shade during the hot weather in the Netherlands. According to the organisation, the farmer said he would rather accept a fine than provide shade for the animals.
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says farmers are legally required to protect animals from extreme weather, including by providing shelter from heat when necessary. The organisation is calling for stricter enforcement of these animal welfare rules during heatwaves.
The number to call in the Netherlands if you see an animal in distress is 144.
French veterinarians see more pets with heatstroke
Veterinary clinics in Paris are treating an increasing number of dogs and cats suffering from heat-related illnesses. Many animals are arriving with severe panting, dehydration and hyperthermia, a dangerous rise in body temperature.
Veterinarians are urging owners to avoid walking dogs during the hottest part of the day and to make sure pets always have access to shade and fresh water.
The number to call in France if you see an animal in distress is 3677.
Belgian wildlife rescue centre overwhelmed
Wildlife rescue centres in Belgium say they are receiving an unusually high number of birds, hedgehogs and other wild animals suffering from dehydration and heat stress.
Many young animals become weak during prolonged periods of extreme heat, especially when natural water sources begin to dry up.
“The network of wildlife rehabilitation centers is currently overwhelmed. Many centers are closed due to a lack of space, a lack of volunteers, and a lack of funding,” biologist Romain de Jaegere told Reuters Connect.
“So, we have a system that depends heavily on people’s goodwill, subsidies, and so on. And right now, subsidies are decreasing, the number of animals is only increasing, our infrastructure is under pressure, the volunteers are under pressure, and the centre managers are under pressure,” he added.
Conservation groups say wild animals across Europe are struggling to find water and shelter.
Birds, hedgehogs, foxes and other wildlife are increasingly entering gardens and urban areas in search of food and drinking water. Experts encourage people to place shallow bowls of clean water outside to help local wildlife survive the heat.
The number to call in the Belgium if you see an animal in distress is 101 or 112.
Warning for farm animals during heatwave
Veterinary experts in the United Kingdom have warned farmers not to overlook the effects of heat on livestock.
Cattle, pigs and poultry can quickly develop heat stress during very hot weather. Experts recommend improving ventilation, providing constant access to clean water and reducing transport during the hottest hours.
New figures analysed by Carbon Brief show that nearly 6,600 farm animals died from heat stress while being transported to slaughterhouses in England and Wales during the record-breaking summer of 2025.
Most were chickens. The number was more than double the heat-related deaths recorded during the previous summer.
The number to call in the Belgium if you see an animal in distress is 101.
Almost 900 people sign petition to improve animal transport rules
Nearly 9000 people have signed a petition calling on the European Union to strengthen its rules on transporting live animals. The petition comes as the EU is reviewing its animal transport legislation, known as Regulation (EC) No 1/2005.
Animal welfare groups say the current rules do not provide enough protection for millions of animals transported across Europe every year.
Campaigners argue that animals continue to suffer during long journeys by road and sea. Investigations over the years have documented animals being transported in extreme heat, left without enough food or water, or stranded for days on livestock vessels.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
