‘The bang from a firework is terrifying to an animal and some will panic and flee at the sound, which can result in road traffic accidents’ – Chief Supt. Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA
As November approaches, the Scottish SPCA is issuing its annual warning that fireworks can have a serious impact on the welfare of animals.
The charity is reminding people to bear in mind that fireworks season can be a very stressful time of year for pet owners who are trying to protect their animals from the fear and distress they can cause.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We have been made aware of
numerous incidents over the years where animals have come to serious
harm and even death as a result of fireworks being set off near them. Animals have heightened senses and their hearing is much stronger than ours.
“The bang from a firework is terrifying to an animal and some will panic
and flee at the sound, which can result in road traffic accidents. We
have even received reports of swans flying into electricity pylons and
horses being badly injured after running through barbed wire fences.”
In 2013 Scottish SPCA released figures which showed 90% of vets support
the charity’s call for tighter restrictions regarding the sale and public use of fireworks.
Chief Supt. Flynn added, “It’s not surprising that vets are supportive of our calls for tighter restrictions given the sheer volume of animals they are treating for fireworks related fear. The legislation should reflect the serious impact that fireworks can have on the welfare of domestic, farm and wild animals.
“Current regulations are so relaxed that fireworks can be set off on any
given day and for weeks and months on end rather than being limited to
the major festival periods. This leaves pet owners and farmers unable to make adequate provisions for their animals.”
The Scottish SPCA has also issued a warning to those planning a bonfire.
Chief Supt. Flynn said, “We recently rescued a hedgehog who was
suffering from burned spines and we believe it may have been injured in
a bonfire. This is why we would urge people to check bonfires before they are lit for hibernating animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and toads.”
The Scottish SPCA is reiterating its call for fireworks sales to be restricted to the week preceding 5 November and not at all afterwards, with the current rules pertaining to New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali remaining unchanged.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity is also calling for the unlicensed use
of fireworks by members of the public to be limited to defined festival
periods rather than all year round.
Scottish SPCA posters highlighting the dangers of fireworks are
available to be displayed in local communities. To request copies please
phone the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.
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