Fireworks and Pets
Every year thousands of animals will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off. Loud bangs and whistles may cause them actual pain in their ears. But by following these simple guidelines your pet need not suffer.
Always
- Keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
- Close all windows and doors, and block off catflaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the particular sounds of TV or radio, switch them on but not too loudly in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks.
- Make sure your pets are wearing some form of easily readable identification (ID) ? even in the house. By law, they should have at least a collar and tag, but think about fitting them with a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being returned to you.
Never
- Take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn?t mean it?s happy. Excessive panting and yawning can sometimes indicate that your dog is stressed.
- Tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop whilst you pop inside, or leave it in the garden or in your car.
- Walk your dog while fireworks are going off. Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start.
- Shout at your pet if it is frightened, as you will only make it more stressed.
You can help by
- Preparing a ?den? for your pet so it can feel comfortable, perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes where it can hide when the fireworks start.
- Leaving your pet alone if it paces around, whines or miaows and tries to hide in a corner. Do not try to coax it out ? It is just trying to find safety and should not be disturbed.
- Trying not to leave your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events.
- Staying calm and acting normally. Praise your pet when it is calm.
- Not shouting or getting angry with your pet if it has been destructive after being left on its own while you?ve been out.
The laws concerning fireworks
- It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework in a public place.
- Fireworks cannot be set off by a private individual between 11pm and 7am except for certain nights of the year.
- It is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal.
- No person is to supply a category 3 and above firework to a private individual except during certain times of the year.
Pet owners are advised to seek behavioural help for their animal six to 12 weeks before firework season begins.
While this information is correct at the time of going to print all pet owners are advised to check www.dti.gov.uk for current guidelines.
For more information on other animal welfare issues and to support the Blue Cross please click here: www.bluecross.org.uk
