AS temperatures soar in Nottingham a farm is taking unusual steps to keep animals cool.
AT Stonebridge City Farm the ponies and goats are fed specially made ice lollies. Packed with frozen vegetables, the cool treats help to prevent the water-shy animals from overheating.
The lollies are just one measure employed by the farm to keep the residents cool.
Farm manager Marie Rogers said it is a simple trick which has a big impact.
"If we had pigs then we would hose them down but we don't have any pigs at the moment and the goats and ponies don't like the water so this is as much help as we can give them," she said.
"We also make sure there is plenty of things for them to shelter under so they can rest in the shade if they get too hot. The chickens will hide under trees and we've set up a sprinkler for the ducks.
"The other animals keep cool by themselves by panting but they do seem to really enjoy the ice lollies when we take them round."
Yesterday temperatures reached 26 degrees in Nottingham.
The Met Office predicts today and tomorrow will be even hotter at 27 degrees while Friday is forecast to be slightly cooler again with highs of 26 degrees.
For staff at White Post Farm, the hot weather means ensuring all animals have access to lots of fresh water and that the pigs, who cannot sweat to keep cool have access to mud.
"For the pigs we've got the wallows, so a big muddy area which has water in, and they cool down in that.
"All the animals are provided with lots of fresh water then we fly dress the other animals so they don't get maggots.
"There's also natural shade in the paddocks and if any animal shows signs of distress we have the option of taking them in to the barn which is a bit cooler."
It is not just farm animals that need to be careful in the sun.
According to animal charity PDSA, domestic pets from cats and dogs to rabbits and birds also suffer as the mercury rises.
Owners should take care to walk dogs in the coolest part of the day and be vigilant for signs of heat stroke.
PDSA senior vet, Elaine Pendlebury said: "Pet owners need to be aware of the harm that hot weather can cause to pets.
"Their smaller body size makes them particularly susceptible to heatstroke and can't tell us when they're too hot in their fur coats.
"So it's up to owners to spot the signs and ensure they remain happy."
See next Tuesday's Post for Donna Cuthbert from the RSPCA on tackling reckless pet owners who left their dog to sizzle
