The RSPCA is urging pet owners and bonfire revellers to take measures to prevent harm to domestic animals and wildlife this fireworks season.
There are 11 separate fireworks displays across Lincolnshire this week.
But, with the Dog’s Trust reporting that nearly half of canines in the UK are thought to be negatively affected by fireworks, concerns are being raised about the effects these celebrations have on our pets.
Libby Price, the Animal Welfare Officer at the Lincoln branch of the RSPCA said: “Animals’ ears are much more sensitive than ours, so backyard or arranged firework displays of any sort can really disorientate them, they can come out of the blue for these animals, along with the flashes of light in the sky, it does terrify them.”
Her top tips include:
- Create a safe space with their favourite toys and treats.
- Muffle lights and sounds by closing the curtains.
- Play calming music (e.g. Classic FM)
- Make their safe space available in the run up to and during fireworks displays.
- Walk dogs during the daytime to avoid surprise fireworks and to tire them out before the displays start.
- For especially nervous pets, pheromone diffusers may be useful.
- Make sure pets are microchipped and secure in the home to avoid them escaping when spooked.
Many pet owners are taking a stance against firework displays that distress their pets, with the largest petition on change.org currently at over a million signatures.
Concerns like public safety, air pollution, veteran mental health and environmental conservation are also part of the current pushback against firework displays.
“Unfortunately, it can pretty much affect any animal you can think of. Wildlife like hedgehogs, with bonfires we ask that people check them before they light them, just in case something has decided to make a nice little nest in there.” said Libby.
For the thousands of people predicted to attend Lincolnshire bonfire events over the next few days, there are ways to help.
Libby added: “There are things that the public can do as well in terms of thinking about kinder methods if they’re able, sparklers instead, things that don’t make as much noise or have as much impact on the wider environment.
“The national RSPCA as a whole is calling for stronger controls on fireworks [and] trying to move towards alternative fireworks like light displays, drones in particular, just to negate the noise and shock factor to the wildlife as well.”
More information about Be a Kind Spark, the RSPCA’s firework campaign and petition, can be found here.
