Storm Dudley knocked down a power line and electrocuted 13 dogs. After a tree fell on the 11k voltage line, all 13 pedigree puppies died tragically. The falling dree crashed on Cuckavalda Gundogs' kennel block near Ampleforth, North Yorks, electrifying the runs. Northern Power Grid is conducting a thorough inquiry.
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Gone too soon
The puppies were as young as seven months old, and the oldest pooches were six years old. According to a spokesman for Northern Powergrid:
Storm Dudley caused a tree on a customer's land to fall and bring down a section of overhead power line onto kennels which were situated directly under the section of the electricity network.
Our contact centre advisor also provided immediate safety advice to the customer to stay clear of the area and metal kennel.
It comes as the ARMY has been ordered to remain on standby as the UK prepares for Storm Eunice, which is expected to bring 100mph winds tomorrow.
How to keep your pets safe?
As the UK braces for a strong lashing of wind and rain, pet owners are being encouraged to keep their animals safe. The RSPCA has cautioned animal lovers to safeguard their pets from the harsh circumstances as red, amber, and yellow weather warnings have been issued across England, Wales, and Scotland. Here’s how to keep pets safe:
- Make sure you have enough food, water, and medicine on hand.
- Ensure that your cats have access to your home so that they may stay dry and out of the weather.
- When taking your dog for a walk, stay away from unsafe areas and check the weather forecast for any weather alerts before you go.
- If it's getting dark, put on some reflective apparel.
- Create a warm, calm environment for your dogs, as they may become frightened during a storm.
- Provide extra bedding for outdoor pets such as rabbits, and ensure that poultry such as chickens and ducks have safe, dry housing.
- If the weather turns bad, bring outside dogs inside or into a suitable outbuilding.
- Make a flood evacuation strategy and make sure you have small animal containers, as well as collars and leashes.
- If your dog is aged or sick, wrap it in a warm coat.
- If the weather is exceptionally bad, rug horses and ponies and make sure they have a cover or move them into stables.
- Make plans with a friend to look after your animals if you are unable to access them due to fallen trees or water.
- In the event of an emergency, consider leaving your contact information on the field gates.
- Set out food and water for wildlife, and seek assistance if you come across an injured or stranded animal.
If you're worried about an animal in bad weather or flooding, make a note of where it is and when it happened, then call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 for help.
