Don’t forget the animals this Bonfire Night
Firework displays can be provide an exciting spectacle this time of the year, but for animals who have no inkling of what’s happening, they are more likely to be the cause of fear and panic.
Wealden’s Animal Welfare Officer, Gloria Gardner, has seen the distress fireworks cause pets and livestock:
“Imagine what it must be like for animals with a keen sense of sight and hearing to suddenly be surrounded with the flashes, bangs and screams made by fireworks,” she says. “It may be exciting for us, but pets – both your own, and other people’s - need consideration and reassurance at this time of year.”
She has some timely words of advice :
· Keep your dogs on a lead when exercising them; and keep your cat indoors both on Bonfire Night and on other nights at this time of year when fireworks are being enjoyed.
· Take steps to protect pets kept in hutches like rabbits and guinea pigs - they too can be extremely frightened and steps should be taken reassure them.
· Horses and other livestock are also easily frightened by noisy fireworks so please tell your neighbours if you are planning a firework display, so that they can take precautions to protect their pets or other livestock.
Gloria will be making sure her pet dog Bam Bam is reassured during the firework season. Please don’t forget to take special care of your pets, and look out for your neighbour’s animals too.
