RSPCA Issue Advice on Keeping Pets Safe Ahead of Bonfire Night

With Bonfire Night and Halloween celebrations just weeks away RSPCA is issuing advice to pet owners in the run up to this year’s event.

While many of us will be looking to the skies and enjoying firework displays across the area, for household pets and animals the occasion can be a traumatic experience.

Ahead of Bonfire Night RSPCA Cymru are reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to make sure their pets are safe, including keeping cats and dogs indoors when firework displays are due to take place.

Lisa Richards, RSPCA welfare expert, said: “Countless pet owners will be dreading the run up to bonfire night because of the distress it causes to their animals.

“But there are ways to help your pets learn to be less afraid of loud noises. Planning ahead and speaking to your vet about the options available is a great start.

“Firework phobia is a treatable condition, pets do not have to suffer in misery every year.

“There are also some simple things worried owners can do to help their pets cope, including, making sure dogs and cats are indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off,that they’re microchipped incase they do escape, trying to mask the noise of the fireworks by turning on the TV or music, and providing pets with a safe place to hide at all times.

“Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra bedding so they can burrow and some of their enclosure could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and sound-proofing.”

It is not just companion animals that are affected by fireworks, with farm animals also easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright lights. These can startle them
cause them to injure themselves on fencing, farm equipment or, in the case of housed animals, on fixtures and fittings within the house.

It is also likely that fireworks will cause a disturbance to wild animals such as waterfowl and is likely to cause suffering or distress, depending on the distance from the fireworks and the noise level. Further, wildlife can be burnt alive after making their home in bonfires.

RSPCA Cymru is also asking organisers of firework events to be vigilant and give plenty of notice to people in the area. We would also ask for organisers to show some consideration and not let off any fireworks too close to places where animals are – for example farm animals or zoos.

Sky lanterns can also be popular at this time of year, but can harm wildlife, livestock and other animals by causing injuries that lead to suffering and a slow painful death. RSPCA Cymru strongly advises against their use and recommends that harmless alternatives are sought to prevent injury, suffering and fatality of animals.

For more information about advice and welfare on fireworks please visit the RSPCA website.