THE cold snap is causing hardship for animals, especially where snow is covering grassland, and icy roads have made access difficult for farmers bringing fodder to cattle and sheep.
A spokeswoman for the Irish Farmers Association said most farmers were managing and would be concerned only if the snow worsens. The areas most affected are mountainous regions, the midlands and south east.
In urban areas, many horses are suffering "appalling cruelty". Ms Therese Cunningham, executive director of the Dublin Society for the Prevention to Animals, said it was inundated with calls about horses being tethered in icy conditions with no food or shelter. She appealed to people who witness hardship to feed the horses vegetables or bread.