Devastated dog owner calls for ban on fireworks for general sale after spooked pet killed by train
Last updated 1st Nov 2024
A Berwick dog owner is calling for a ban on fireworks for general sale.
It comes after her family pet was knocked down and killed by a train, after being spooked by a blast on Bonfire Night seven years ago.
Michelle Kennedy believes they should only be used at organised events, which are advertised in advance - to give pet owners plenty of warning.
"It was really traumatic for my mum and dad," she told Greatest Hits Radio. "So now - around about this time of year - they will do everything they can to try to protect their dogs from it; because Dezzie's still very scared."
Michelle revealed her family was devastated after dad, Michael, left for a walk on Bonfire Night in 2017 with their two Bearded Collies, and only returned with one.
Two-year-old Mida was found two days later.
“My dad was walking our two Bearded Collies around 5pm on Bonfire Night,” Michelle recalled. “It was just starting to turn to twilight, so it wasn’t quite dark yet. He thought he would walk the dogs before it became dark and fireworks started.”
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Unfortunately for Michelle’s family, the nearby caravan site had begun its display early, with no warning.
“The show was about 100 metres from where my dad was, and both dogs got a fright and ran away. My dad managed to get a hold of Dezzie, but lost Mida,” Michelle explained.
“After two days of searching by the whole community, she was found on the train track and had been hit by a train.”
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Unfortunately, Mida and Dezzie weren’t alone in being scared of fireworks, as new statistics released this week show that four in five dog owners notice significant changes in their dog’s behaviour, while a third say their dog is ‘terrified’ of fireworks.
Michelle said: “We, as a family, would like to be able to ban fireworks for general sale. They should only be used for big, organised displays, which are advertised with plenty of advance warning, so that pet owners know they are happening and are therefore given every chance to protect their pets.”
And, offering advice to dog owners this fireworks season, she added: “Don’t take them out after 4pm, or when it’s dark, and make sure to keep your dogs on a lead during these times.”
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Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, added: “The unfamiliar sights and sounds of fireworks, including loud bangs, flashes of light and strange vibrations can be really distressing for dogs, as this research shows. Alongside thousands of dogs showing clear signs of fear during displays, there are also devastating longer-term consequences, with pets going missing and running away.
“The element of surprise is a key issue for owners and dogs. If owners can anticipate fireworks, they can manage their pet’s distress in a way that works for their dog, and we’re asking Government to recognise this and review legislation to better control their use.
“Whilst we urge policy-makers to consider our recommendations to protect dog welfare, we are also urging caution from owners this fireworks season. Every dog will react differently to fireworks and it is really important that owners know what do to and how they can help their four-legged friend, and keep them safe.”
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