9 July 2008

FIREWORKS - FUN OR FEAR?

As the days grow shorter, and the nights grow darker, many people across Scotland look forward to one of the last outdoor celebrations of the year – Bonfire Night. Before revellers get too excited about the festivities and start stocking up on fireworks, the Scottish SPCA would like to issue a warning about the potential harm these celebrations can cause animals. Domestic pets, livestock and wildlife are all at risk from the fear fireworks can create but there are simple steps which can be taken to minimise the problem.

Sharon Comrie, Deputy Head of the Scottish SPCA’s Uniformed Division said: “Around this time of year, the Society receives a large number of calls from concerned members of the public regarding fireworks. These calls range from queries about caring for distressed pets, to reporting crimes against animals.

The morning after Guy Fawkes Night is also one of the busiest of the year for the Society’s Animal Welfare Centres. We see a large number of dogs and cats being brought into our Animal Welfare Centres and the majority have bolted in fear from their homes and gardens.

For those planning a fireworks display, the Society suggests the use of quiet fireworks. Light displays are much less likely to frighten animals than the use of loud fireworks, which can go up to 120dB, the same level of noise as that produced by a jet engine.

This year, remember to be considerate. Please make sure to tell neighbours in advance of any display. We are not trying to be killjoys - fireworks may be a lot of fun for people, but they can be a real cause of terror for animals of all types.

We would also like to urge members of the public planning to build a bonfire to consider the local wildlife. Small animals such as hedgehogs and mice may crawl into a cosy looking pile of wood and brambles thinking that they have found the ideal place to hibernate. We have heard of far too many sad cases where these animals have been burnt alive.

Please be vigilant, and if you are having a bonfire, build it as close to the time as possible before setting it alight. Another tip is to surround the pile with chickenwire and sand, which will reveal tracks of any animals that may enter. And always double check for wildlife before finally lighting the bonfire.

Pet owners will naturally be concerned about their own animals being distressed by firework displays but there are preventative therapies available. De-sensitisation CD’s can help them become used to the sound of fireworks. DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) diffusers or sprays, if used regularly for at least ten days earlier, can also reduce the likelihood of a pet becoming stressed. They are odour free but discharge a synthetic version of the pheromones mother dogs release in first few days after giving birth. Cat equivalents are now also available and these can be purchased from various veterinary surgeries or pet stores.

If you know that fireworks displays generally cause distress it is well worth taking the time to explore these options. This should be a safe and fun time for all the family – pets included.”

Additional Information for an Animal Friendly Guy Fawkes Night:

ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS

• Contain your pet. There is less chance of an animal escaping in fright or causing themselves serious harm if they stay in one safe place.
• Keep your dog on a lead. Many dogs will bolt if they hear fireworks while out on a walk. Never take your pet dog to a fireworks display!
• Keep your pets indoors after dark. Rabbits in hutches should be brought inside and dogs and cats should be in the house. Closing your curtains and turning up the TV or radio will also help to offer a distraction.
• Stay at home with your pets and act normally. The natural reaction for a pet owner is to comfort a distressed animal, but this will only reinforce their fear. Acting as if nothing is wrong will help to reassure your pet. Licking your lips or yawning is actually doggy body language for ‘I’m cool about this’!

ADVICE FOR THOSE PLANNING A DISPLAY

• Choose your site with care. Speak to the local community to ensure that the site is the best location for the display. Is the site near homes where pets will be distressed? Will livestock in nearby fields be affected? Is the site near an area that is rich in wildlife? All of these factors should be considered before a final decision is made.
• Give your neighbours warning. Make sure your neighbours know the date and time of any planned display. This will allow them to make provisions in advance.
• Keep noisy fireworks to a minimum. Visual displays are less likely to frighten animals.
• Be considerate. Try and hold displays as close as possible to public festive holidays. This allows owners to make provisions for their pets during these times.
• Know the law. The Fireworks Act established a curfew on the general use of fireworks from between 11pm and 7am; between 12am and 7am on Guy Fawkes' Night and between 1am and 7am on other festive occasions. It also applied an upper limit to the noise level of fireworks of 120 decibels (dB) and introduced fixed penalty notices to under-18s using fireworks. From January 2005, the legislation stipulated that retailers wishing to sell fireworks outside of the three-week period surrounding festivities such as Hogmanay must apply for a license from their local authority.

And for anyone who is planning to have a bonfire, please remember these tips to ensure that hedgehogs are not harmed.

• After building a bonfire, make sure to surround it with chicken wire, to prevent any hedgehogs seeking shelter within.
• Surround the pile with sand. Make sure to check the sand for paw prints before lighting the fire.
• Always double check before lighting the fire that it is completely clear of wildlife.

National Campaign For Firework Safety
Article Written By: Joanna Wilson, Scottish SPCA Press Officer