Fireworks can be fun. But pet owners are only too aware of the misery that the rockets and fire crackers of Bonfire Night, Diwali and other wintertime celebrations can cause for their cherished pets.
Terrified: dogs, cats, other pets, livestock and wildlife are often in complete fear for hours after a single firework
Which is why the RSPCA has made an urgent plea to the public to consider the impact of firework displays on animals, and to engage in conversations with neighbours about any planned celebrations.
The loud bangs, screeching noises and bright flashes cause terror for domestic and wild animals, each year bringing tales of tragedies as horses in stables, pet dogs or cats are seriously injured or killed as they panic in response to fireworks going off.
Polling conducted by the RSPCA shows that more than 6million households – more than 1-in-5 – in England and Wales plan to set off fireworks this season.
Organised firework displays can be planned for by pet owners. They are also often staged away from residential properties. It is random fireworks, which may be set off in back gardens or streets, without any notice, that most often cause distress for pets.
Carrie Stones, the RSPCA’s campaign manager, said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences.
“We know 66% of pet owners say that backyard firework displays are a major concern, especially given how impossible it can be to know when someone is going to let off fireworks in your area.”
The RSPCA is asking the public to sign their petition calling for a change in legislation.
The public can contact their Member of Parliament to advocate for stronger laws over the licensed sale of fireworks and to protect all animals — from pets and horses to livestock and wildlife. Many of the proposals are also supported by the London Fire Brigade and other emergency services.
The charity’s recommendations include:
- Reducing the noise level of all traditional fireworks from 120dB to 90dB
- Limiting the sale of consumer fireworks to Category F1 and F2, and only to specialised/licensed shops
- Designating “firework-free zones” in areas where fireworks are likely to have a greater impact on animals, the environment and vulnerable people
- Where firework-free zones are in place, councils would be encouraged to organise their own alternative displays instead
- Reviewing regulations surrounding alternatives to fireworks, such as drone displays, given their economic potential and benefits to wildlife and the environment
“We’re asking people to help us prevent this suffering and save lives by advocating for change,” the RSPCA’s Stones said.
“ People can take action by emailing your local council and MP to ask them to implement our recommendations.
“We want to see a restriction of fireworks sales to licensed venues only, and a limit to a set number of days when people can let off fireworks, enabling animal owners to plan ahead to protect their animals. We’d also like to see the noise level of fireworks reduced by manufacturers, clearly labelled on packaging, and include a warning that the fireworks may cause huge distress to animals.”
Read more: Dog trainer’s 10 top tips to keep pets calm during fireworks
Read more: Fire Brigade offers safety advice for fireworks on Bonfire Night
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Pet owners need to get a grip. Bonfire night has been celebrated since 1605 but now people are kicking off. What gives? And why no complaints about Diwali fireworks or for the Chinese New year?
What does telling pet owners that the need to ‘get a grip’ mean?
Should pets, farm animals and wildlife also ‘get a grip’? How would you commincate that to them?
The proposals include such reasonable measures as reducing the maximum permitted volume of fireworks.
That seems to be ‘getting a grip’ on the distress and harm they can cause over increasingly long periods without warning.
Your extra comment on Diwali and Chinese New Year is just divisive.
Please ‘get a grip’ on your disdain and lack of thoughtfulness!
My previous comment should have been a Reply to Christopher Myers instead. Apologies also for the two spelling mistakes.
Having just reread the Original Post, OP, I would like to add in reply to Christopher Myers three further points:
(a) The media release DOES refer to all firework celebrated events, not just Guy Fawkes’ (aka ‘Bonfire’) Night. To quote: “Bonfire Night, Diwali and other wintertime celebrations”
(b) Mr Myers opens with ‘Pet owners… [complaining about pets’ distress]”. This is a media release not from ‘pet owners” but from the RSPCA, the popular, respected, long-established, registered charity: the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They are following their charitable aim: to prevent cruelty to animals.
(c) This RSPCA media release raises awareness and advocates more considerate voluntary practice and law changes. This includes reductions in the current decibel level and also having organised events. It does not promote the banning of fireworks.