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    15

    Oct 2020

    Last Updated: 15/10/2020

    Fireworks season could be worst for animals in decades

    by Newsroom

    | 15 Oct, 2020
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    The cancellation of organised displays is expected to lead to increases in back yard fireworks, which are potentially more stressful to animals.

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    Fireworks displays in the Harrogate district may have been cancelled this year but a local vet and the RSPCA have warned it could still be the worst period for pets in decades.

    The absence of large organised events is expected to lead to an increase in backyard firework displays, bringing noise much closer to pets at home. 

    Katy Bell, a vet at the Rae, Bean & Partners practice in Boroughbridge told the Stray Ferret: 

    “A big display will be organised on a certain date, at a certain time, so pet owners can be prepared for that event.
    "However, if home-organised events can be a lot more spread out over an evening, and have a bigger negative impact on the animal.” 


    Ms Bell encourages worried pet owners to start preparing now: she advised playing firework training CDs to pets in the run-up to November 5, starting at a low volume and increasing as necessary. 

    On Bonfire Night itself, Ms Bell recommends not leaving your pet alone, and ensuring it has somewhere safe and dark to hide.

    A RSPCA spokesperson said this fireworks season could be the worst for animals in decades. 

    The charity advised pet owners to close windows and curtains to muffle noise, and bring smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs inside.

    Around 62% of dogs and 54% of cats in the UK show signs of anxiety when they hear fireworks, according to the RSPCA. 



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    Fire services' advice

    Station manager Tony Peel, from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said bonfire night was usually a quiet one for fire services in the county "and we’d love it to be the same this year". He added:

    "Please follow our safety tips if you are planning a display at home and help reduce the pressure not only on the fire service, but also on our colleagues in the ambulance service and police.

    “Some people and animals are scared by firework noise so if you’re planning to let off fireworks please tell your neighbours and avoid buying really noisy ones.”

    Mr Peel said anyone planning a home display should ensure it finishes before 11pm, always light the firework at arms length and only buy fireworks that carry the CE mark.