Warnings of "potentially devastating" impacts on Hampshire animals this Bonfire Night
The Dogs Trust and RSPCA issue advice to pet owners
The RSPCA has made an urgent plea to people in Hampshire this Bonfire Night to consider the "potentially devastating" impacts of firework displays on animals and engage in conversations with neighbours about any planned celebrations.
Recent RSPCA polling reveals that an estimated 6.16 million* households (22%) in England and Wales plan to set off fireworks this season.
Carrie Stones, Campaign Manager at the RSPCA said: “We know 66% of pet owners say that backyard firework displays are a major concern, which highlights the levels of anxiety and worry that so many animal owners have as we approach the fireworks season - especially given how impossible it can be to know when someone is going to let off fireworks in your area.”
Dom Burke, Behaviour Policy Officer at Dogs Trust, said:
“It’s really worrying to hear that so many owners report firework-related distress in their pets, but there are steps owners can take over the next few days to try to reduce the impact of fireworks on their dogs.
“One of the best things you can do is to stay calm yourself, as this will help your dog to stay relaxed; close the curtains, turn on the TV or radio, and prepare for a cosy night in with your dog."
The Dogs Trust have a new Soft Sounds playlist designed to help pets unwind and relax, available on Spotify, YouTube, and the Dogs Trust website.
Dom added: "loud, unexpected noises can have severe long-lasting impacts on pets, damaging their immune system and nervous system. It's important to prepare when you can".
When to go to your vet
Dom Burke tells Greatest Hits and Hits Radio:
"If your dog has previously shown signs of fear during fireworks, contact your vet as soon as possible."
"In some cases, medication can be very effective in helping dogs cope during firework events and can prevent the problem from getting worse over time."
Calls for change
The RSPCA is urging the public to sign their petition calling for a change in legislation.
The public can contact their local Member of Parliament to advocate for stronger firework laws and protect all animals—from pets and horses to livestock and wildlife. 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, local 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.
Carrie Stones reiterated the RSPCA's call to action, adding: “We’re asking people to help us prevent this suffering and save lives by advocating for change.
“People can take action by emailing your local council and MP to implement our recommendations, while learning how to be a firework-friendly neighbour and utilise the RSPCA’s Kind Sparks advice for pet, horse and livestock owners.
“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.”