Monthly Archives: August 2026

BARTA are concerned that prolonged high temperatures create conditions which place animals at extreme risk. Domestic, agricultural, equestrian and wildlife environments are more vulnerable because forests, heathland, fields, hedges and verges are tinder dry. This means that a fire approaching a property is hotter, faster and not slowed by traditionally green vegetation protecting its boundary. BARTA Director Jim Green said “Our thoughts are with emergency responders currently working in exceptionally difficult heat and terrain, as well as commoners, land managers and local communities affected by an incident started by a van fire on the A31 in the New Forest. We encourage emergency planners, landowners, veterinary providers, rural businesses, government and animal keepers to use this high profile incident as an opportunity to review their own emergency and evacuation arrangements. BARTA’s mission is to ensure animals are safeguarded along with people … Continue reading →