THE hot, dry weather in Somerset has brought a “hidden threat” to animals at a county sanctuary.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard, has warned of how the dry weather can lead to “dangerous” conditions for animals.

The risk centres on a lack of fresh grass growing amid soaring temperatures, according to the sanctuary, with the parched ground leading to growth high in sugars – which can be dangerous for ponies, donkeys and more.

“We’re running out of grass – and the fresh new growth can pose challenges,” a spokesperson said. “Drought doesn’t just mean dry fields – it means tough choices. Here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, we’re facing a real challenge: The grass isn’t growing, the ground is parched, and what little grass does come through is high in sugars which can be dangerous for some of our animals.

“For ponies, donkeys, and others prone to laminitis or digestive issues, this high-sugar regrowth is a hidden threat. So even the patches of green we do have must be managed with extreme care.”

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They said the conditions mean more hay and feed must be bought in – which is expensive and in high demand – as well as careful rotation and restricted grazing “to protect animals from health risks”.

The measures put “huge pressure on sanctuary resources, both in time and money”, they went on.

“Running a sanctuary in a drought isn’t just about keeping animals fed – it’s about protecting their long-term health and well-being, one paddock at a time,” they said.

People are being urged to donate to the charity sanctuary if they can, to support the extra effort needed during the hot weather.

For more information, and to make a donation to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, log on to https://www.justgiving.com/charity/ferneanimalsanctuary.

“Thank you for standing with us – in the sunshine, the storms, and the dry spells in between,” the spokesperson added.