Pet Safety for Bonfire Night
How to Protect Animals When Celebrating Guy Fawkes Night
Animals have very good hearing, which means they are more likely to become distressed or uncomfortable when fireworks are let off. It is important to check that a pet is feeling safe and comfortable before leaving them on Bonfire Night, by following a few simple procedures.
Protecting Smaller Domestic Animals
Pets such as rabbits, guineas, rodents and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened, so take the following measures to keep pets happy:
- Bring outdoor cages and hutches inside for the night, or into the garage so that they can be left quietly while celebrations take place
- Give the pet extra bedding to burrow in, to help it to feel secure and quiet
- If a cage is left outside, turn it to face a wall so that it is protected against noise and accidents
- Cover aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs. Make sure there is still adequate air circulation.
Protecting Dogs and Cats from Noise and Accidents
- Always keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off. Make sure dogs are walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start
- Close all windows and doors, and block off catflaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the sounds of TV or radio, switch them on (but not too loudly) in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks
- Ensure dogs are wearing some form of easily readable identification (ID) – even in the house. By law, they should have at least a collar and tag. Think about fitting pets with a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being quickly reunited with owners
- Prepare a safe place for the pet where it can feel safe and comfortable, with some old clothes. It may like to hide there when the fireworks start.
- Avoid leaving a pet alone during such potentially upsetting events.
- Don’t tie a dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, even if just for a few moments outside a shop. Do not leave it in the car or garden.
- Never take a dog to a fireworks display.
Firework Safety Precautions and The Law
- Fireworks must not be set off near livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings housing livestock. Anyone planning a firework display in a rural area should warn neighbouring farmers in advance.
- It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework in a public place.
- Fireworks cannot be set off by a private individual between 11.00pm and 7.00am except for certain nights of the year.
- It is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal.
- Unless retailers possess a special licence they may only sell fireworks from 15 October to 10 November and 26 to 31 December.
By thinking ahead and planning for pet safety before Bonfire night, it is easy to take a few precautions to keep animals happy and safe and prepare for a great night of celebrations.
Source:
Government guidelines on firework safety
Firework
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