Tag: animal welfare

Be a good egg and hide Easter chocs from your pets, vets warn

Vets are calling on pet owners to put all their chocolate eggs in a safely secured basket well out of reach of inquisitive pets to avoid chocolate poisoning and an emergency trip to the vets over the Easter weekend.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued the warning along with a handy guide to recognising symptoms of chocolate poisoning, as Google searches in the UK for questions like ‘how much chocolate can a dog eat’, ‘signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs’ and ‘how much chocolate will kill a dog’ all show a steep annual spike at this time of the year.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets even in the smallest quantity. However, dogs are particularly susceptible to poisoning due to a chemical called theobromine, which is found naturally in cocoa beans.

Theobromine takes a long time to be broken down inside a dog’s digestive system, which means that even a tiny amount of chocolate can result in toxic levels, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. For this reason, white chocolate is usually safe for dogs if ingested accidentally but the effects with milk chocolate can vary, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep all types of chocolate away.

Vets often see a spike in chocolate toxicity cases over celebratory periods such as Easter and Christmas. BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys from 2016 to 2018 revealed that six in ten vets (60%) had treated cases of chocolate poisoning over Easter each year.

Raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) can also be dangerous for dogs and cats if ingested.

BVA President Justine Shotton said: “We all look forward to indulging in sweet treats over Easter but it’s important to take precautions to keep curious pets out of trouble.

“Human foods such as hot cross buns with sultanas or chocolate bunnies are a strict no-no, with chocolate being particularly toxic for dogs, who have a hard time metabolising some of the components and can get very sick from even a small amount.

“As a vet, I’ve seen many cases of chocolate ingestion over Easter and Christmas, but luckily the vast majority of pets were brought to the practice quickly and we were able to treat the patients successfully. 

“Dogs will usually start showing signs of chocolate toxicity within 12 hours, but symptoms can last for up to three days. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, don’t delay in calling your vet first for advice. Prompt veterinary treatment within the first six hours of eating chocolate can often be critical to a positive outcome. Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your pet has eaten and what type. If possible, keep any labels and wrappers and have the weight of your pet to hand.”

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days. Initially, pets are likely to experience excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.

These can develop into symptoms of hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. Severe cases may result in fits and heartbeat irregularities, and even coma and death. If you notice these symptoms in your dog and suspect chocolate ingestion, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

For more information on pets and toxic substances, download the free Animal Welfare Foundation ‘Pets and Poisons’ leaflet.

Pets-and-Poisons-1Download

Dogs Trust extends Home from Home Scheme

Dogs Trust has extended its successful Home from Home Scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife and is calling on locals to get in touch.

Megan Wilkinson has just been employed as Dogs Trust’s first Home from Home Co-ordinator in Dundee and is hoping to hear from dog loving locals who are willing to become foster carers, opening their hearts and homes to dogs that await their forever home. 

Megan said: ““Our Home from Home foster scheme is a very important part of Dog Trusts work finding new homes for every dog that comes into our care.  Some dogs are more suited to a home environment than kennels and these are the dogs that we look to place into a foster home.

“The long-lasting impact of the pandemic means some dog owners are finding themselves having to make very difficult decisions which may include giving up their pets. We need to be there for as many people and dogs as possible so increasing the number of foster carers we have is a positive way to increase our support during this challenging time.

“Expanding Home from Home into Dundee and the surrounding areas will allow us to provide more support in Scotland. I’m excited to be working within the local community to find forever homes for more dogs within Tayside, Perthshire, Fife and Angus and am keen to hear from locals who want to help us.”

Susan Tonner, West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager said: “Having the option of foster homes locally in and around the Dundee area is fantastic. It allows us to help local dogs more readily and also offers local people the opportunity to adopt a dog closer to home.

“Since the Home from Home scheme started at West Calder at the end of 2016, we have rehomed over 500 dogs through fostering. Last year we found new homes for 130 dogs through the scheme thanks to the wonderful help of 20 fosterers.  We are about to place our first dogs into foster in the Dundee area with our aim being to rehome over 100 every year.

“A lot of our current fosterers don’t want the long-term commitment of owning a dog but miss having a four-legged friend in their life. Fostering can be a perfect solution where you care for a rescue dog on a temporary basis. Thanks to our fosterers, we really get to know our dogs and how they are in a home environment, which enables us to match each individual dog with their perfect new home.

“To foster you must have the time and patience to help the dog adjust to their new surroundings and also be prepared to say goodbye when their forever home is found. As a fosterer you can be assured you have played a pivotal role in the successful happy future life of the dog and your next foster dog could be patiently waiting for your help.  We couldn’t do our vital work without our fosterers and we are so incredibly grateful to have their loyal support.”

Fosterers must have a love of dogs, a secure garden area, be at home most of the day and preferably not have young children.

Dogs Trust will support you every step of the way providing food, bedding and any other practical things you need to make your new canine friend feel at home.

The charity also covers the costs of all veterinary treatment and is working in partnership with Parkside Veterinary Group in Dundee. The length of time a dog is in foster care differs in each individual case.

Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine.

Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email:

HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk

Eggs-pert advice on how to have a dog-friendly Easter

With the bank holiday Easter weekend fast approaching, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, is reminding dog owners to keep chocolate out of reach of our four-legged friends.

As Easter eggs and other tasty cocoa treats find their way into homes, the charity hopes to raise awareness of the continued risk that the consumption of chocolate poses to our canine companions. Dogs Trust is providing top tips and advice for owners on how to have a dog-friendly Easter. 

Josie Cocks, Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon, explains the importance of not allowing dogs to eat human chocolate: “Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, so owners should ensure they keep it out of reach of their four-legged friends. Whilst some chocolate is more toxic than others, any amount is potentially harmful to your dog.

“If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, we advise owners to contact their vets immediately. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, seizures and potentially kidney and heart failure.”

The charity advises:

  • Never give your pooch any human chocolate as a treat. Ensure that children and visitors understand why and adhere to this rule too.
  • Make sure that bins are dog-proof to prevent them scavenging through rubbish.
  • Never leave any chocolate unsupervised, such as cakes cooling on worktop surfaces.
  • Teach your dog to move away from something when you ask them to ‘leave it’. This valuable life skill will come in handy if your dog reaches for something they shouldn’t have.
  • Keep a close eye on your dog whilst out walking, to avoid them scoffing discarded food that is potentially harmful.

Although our canine companions won’t be eating human chocolate, there are plenty of other ways for them to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Charlotte Huggins, Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, offers some suggestions: “There are plenty of exciting things we can do with our pets over the holiday weekend.

“Taking them on their own Easter hunt around the house or garden, that includes dog-friendly treats instead of chocolate is a great way of bonding and giving our dogs lots of stimulation. 

“You could also use the front of Easter egg boxes to teach your dog to do the snoot challenge or use the boxes to hide their toys or treats in for them to sniff out. If you want to have a go at something a little bit different, get a couple of boxes set a little distance apart and holding your dog’s treats or favourite toy in one hand, slowly start to guide them in a figure of eight around the two boxes. Then reward your dog!

“Dog owners could also build them their own Easter bunny burrow, or ‘Doggy Den’ so your furry friend has a cosy, comfortable place to sleep undisturbed in the house.”

For more information and advice visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/advice 

Pet Welfare Crisis: 3.4m households have gave up a pet in the last year

Today, the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) releases its annual population data, with a record 35m pets in the UK in 2022.  Pet ownership is at a peak and 17.4m households (62%) own a pet.

In the UK there are now 13m dogs and 12m cats, 1.6m indoor birds, 1.4m domestic fowl, 1m rabbits, 900k Guinea pigs, 700k pigeons, 600k hamsters, 600k tortoises and 600k horses.  

But while 4.7m households (17%) have acquired a new pet since the start of the pandemic, sadly 3.4m (12%) have given up a pet over the last year.  

Although over a half (57%) of new pets have been welcomed into homes with children (2.7m households), Gen Z and Millennials represent 53% of those owning new pets (2.6m households).  25% (1.2m) are 16-24 year olds and 29% (1.4m) are 25-34 year olds.  

Almost one quarter (23%) of the people in these age groups have been unable to keep their pet and 71% of all relinquishments can be attributed to this demographic (2.1m households). Looking at which pets were relinquished, 60% were dogs and 45% were cats.  However, anecdotally, rehoming centres are seeing more small mammals such as rabbits. 

Nicole Paley, PFMA deputy CEO, comments: “Reflecting the recent ONS report with its new shopping basket containing a pet collar[iii], we are not surprised to see these strong figures.

“However, on closer inspection, we are concerned about the number of owners who have given up their pet.  We are keen to investigate why owners are giving up their pets and where they are being relinquished.  

“We believe that many pets are being sold on to recuperate funds, in addition to being taken to rehoming centres.  We are working closely with the CFSG (Canine & Feline Sector Group) plus other animal welfare charities to identify what the pet care sector can do to support owners and prevent this from happening.” 

The main reason 16-24 year olds gave up a pet was a change in living arrangements with 34% citing this factor. 23% claimed financial obstacles and 22% identified a change in working arrangements.

Behavioural concerns were a reason for 13% of those who relinquished in this age group.  For those slightly older aged 25-34 years old, both working and living arrangements were an issue affecting 41% and 39% respectively.  

The research revealed that 40% of owners don’t have pet friendly offices with an extra 11% unsure.  

Nicole continues: “At the PFMA, we believe there is a need to boost the provision of pet-friendly policies at work and in rental accommodation. There are some excellent campaigns focused on this.

“We also need to ensure that potential pet owners are aware of the full implications of pet ownership and the significant responsibility that comes with a new family member.  

“We are active in supporting pet ownership education campaigns such as National Pet Month and we work to promote the many excellent resources provided by the network of UK charities and welfare organisations.  Woodgreen, for example, have a service whereby struggling owners are supported in their own homes.  Rehoming centres should always be the first port of call for owners unable to cope.”    

Linda Cantle, Director of Pet & Owner Support Services at Woodgreen Pets Charity explains: “Sadly, we are seeing the number of requests for intake increase, which has been most significant for dogs and small pet species (rabbits in particular).

“Unfortunately, we cannot always accommodate pets straight away, resulting in concern about how these pets are being rehomed instead. Online or private sales may be worse for pets’ welfare in the long-term, especially if they have significant medical or behavioural needs that go on untreated. 

“On a more positive note, we at Woodgreen have seen demand for our outreach, behaviour advice and online workshops increase. Well over 200 people receive support each week, indicating that many owners are keen to work at keeping a pet.

“We’d encourage any owner experiencing problems with their pets to reach out as soon as possible for guidance, as many common issues can be improved in the home with trusted advice and support.” 

Pet welfare expert at RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines, adds: “The relinquishment figures are very worrying but, sadly, not surprising as we are now starting to see an increase in requests for help and rehoming and particularly with rabbits. 

“Bringing an animal home to join your family is a significant commitment and responsibility and the increase in ownership during the pandemic did cause concerns that some people may not have fully considered whether they would be able to properly care for them for the rest of their life.

“We understand that circumstances can change and, sometimes, this leaves families having to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their pets. However, we also know that animals are often signed over to charities, rehomed or even abandoned because people took on a pet without the necessary research or appreciation of the responsibility and commitment. 

“Following the surge in pet acquisition during lockdown, with many people now returning to normal life, and with the cost of living rising at a shocking rate, at the RSPCA we fear this is just the start of a pet welfare crisis; and we’re worried that it’ll be charities like us that are left picking up the pieces. 

“Pets are wonderful additions to the family, but it is a huge responsibility and people need to do their research.  As we have highlighted in our research findings, the burden is too great for some people.

“To address this, the pet industry is working together to educate as many new owners and potential new owners as possible.”  

For top tips, owners should visit https://www.pfma.org.uk/pet-care and for more pet data please visit https://www.pfma.org.uk/statistics.

There are also many resources online for pet owners who are struggling such as: 

Compassion in World Farming: Dame Joanna Lumley delivers Peter Roberts Memorial Lecture

“We must listen to our hearts, not our heads,” reveals Dame Joanna Lumley in lecture on compassion honouring charity’s late founder

We should include all life in our circle of compassion and we must listen to our hearts, not our heads. That was the clear message from Compassion in World Farming patron, Dame Joanna Lumley, as she delivered a lecture on compassion to a packed theatre yesterday (2 April) in honour of the charity’s late founder, Peter Roberts MBE.

The BAFTA-winning actress, TV presenter and longstanding champion for animal welfare shared her thoughts on the true meaning of compassion at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre this afternoon.

She said: “I was taught that compassion doesn’t have limits … we need to include all life in our circle of compassion. We have to listen to what our hearts say, not our heads.

“What has happened to us? We have become a kind of virus eating too much meat for our own health. Eighty billion farm animals are slaughtered every year and 70% are reared in factory farms.

“Peter Roberts taught me that it’s not enough not to harm something. You have to fight to do the right thing. By engaging with like-minded spirits, it really helps us to be stronger together.”

The event, part of the 25th Oxford Literary Festival, saw Dame Joanna interviewed on stage by Compassion’s Global CEO, Philip Lymbery.

Among the many topics discussed were how she developed empathy for animals as a young girl, her admiration for Her Majesty the Queen, and what made her become such a dedicated supporter of the international farm animal welfare charity.

Philip, who is also the best-selling author of books Farmageddon and Dead Zone – Where the Wild Things Were, said: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to discuss the true meaning of compassion with our dear friend Joanna Lumley today, particularly at a time when there is so much conflict in the world.

“These are dark days for humanity and for animals, and it is more important than ever to counter this darkness with the light and hope for a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world. We all need to be kinder, not just to ourselves but to one another, to animals and to all life on this planet.

“Factory farming remains the biggest cause of cruelty on the planet. But there is a better way, based on compassion and kindness – ending all cages and letting animals experience the joy of living.

“We are enormously thankful to Joanna for all she does to support our work to make that a reality and for providing such a wonderful lecture today in memory of Compassion’s founder, Peter Roberts.”

Peter Roberts and his wife, Anna, established Compassion in World Farming in 1967 from the kitchen table of their Hampshire dairy farm after they became horrified at the development of intensive factory farming.

They took up the cause of farm animal welfare and the disconnect between food production and nature at a time when few others shared their concern.

They would be proud that, today, Compassion is a powerful global movement, with offices in 12 countries, achieving profound and enduring advancements in farm animal welfare and highlighting the impacts of factory farming on animals, people and the planet.

For further information about Compassion in World Farming visit www.ciwf.org

Cats Protection calls for tighter controls over fireworks to protect cats in Scotland

The UK’s leading cat charity Cats Protection has backed plans to restrict the use of fireworks across Scotland.

The proposals – under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill – would mean members of the public purchasing or using fireworks would need a license, and public displays would be restricted to certain days of the year, such as Bonfire Night, Hogmanay, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland Alice Palombo said the proposals would help reduce stress for pet cats, give owners the chance to ensure their pets are indoors during displays, and help protect stray and feral cats which may have no indoor refuge from fireworks.

She said: “Fireworks are incredibly stressful for cats and other animals, especially if their owner has not had the chance to ensure that their cat is indoors and safe. They are also stressful to cats that do not live indoors such as stray and feral cats.

“Cats associate sudden loud noises and flashes of light with imminent threat, and their natural instinct is to flee. However, as cats struggle to locate the source of noise, this often means that they will bolt in an unfavourable direction which may not provide protection. In busy cities, cats are in danger of running into traffic, or becoming lost in an unknown territory.

“We would also like to see a reduction in the maximum noise level of fireworks. Cats have sensitive hearing, having one of the widest ranges of hearing in mammals. The current maximum permitted firework noise level of 120 decibels can cause damage to cats’ hearing, even if there is only brief exposure.”

Cats Protection, the UK’s largest feline welfare charity, has a Scottish network of 22 volunteer-run branches, four adoption centres, and nine charity shops which also offer advice on cat care.

The charity’s Cats and their Stats (CATS) Scotland Report 2021 found 53% of cat owners in Scotland reported that their cat showed signs of stress because of fireworks.

As well as a licensing system, Cats Protection supports the introduction of Firework Control Zones, where the use of fireworks would be temporarily prohibited, but the charity says these zones need to ban fireworks all year round to be effective. Cats Protection says Firework Control Zones should include areas near animal rehoming centres, or in other areas where there are known to be a high number of animals, such as an outdoor feral cat colony.

Cats Protection’s Glasgow Adoption Centre Manager Kim MacKrell said: “Many cats that come into our care find fireworks very stressful. Designating areas close to animal shelters and rehoming centres as Firework Control Zones will protect the health of cats and other animals and potentially reduce their stress.

“It is important that Firework Control Zones operate throughout the year to protect cats from the fear and stress caused by the sudden loud noises and flashes of light from fireworks.”

Cats Protection recommends cats are kept indoors with the TV or radio on and with the curtains drawn overnight while fireworks are being used, however, they are still at risk of suffering from stress due to the sounds.

If cats experience chronic stress this often has a negative effect over time on their physical health, such as cystitis, or leads to behavioural problems such as house soiling, redirected aggression to owners and destructive behaviour around the household.

More advice about what cat owners can do to keep cats safe and relaxed while fireworks can be found at www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/fireworks

Purrito Fosters CAT-tlebell Challenge

Edinburgh based network Purrito Fosters foster rescue kitties to then find them happy adoptive families.

While in our care we cover any costs, including vet costs such as emergency care and spaying. At the moment we are struggling financially and so two of our volunteers are doing a kettlebell challenge to try and raise some funds.

The Just Giving page is:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/avril-brown

Letters: Animal Sentience

The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill is due to reach its final stages in Parliament on 7th March 2022. If passed, it will require the UK Government to consider the welfare needs of animals as sentient beings when making and implementing policies, and animal sentience will once again be enshrined in UK Law.

Sir,

As we are a nation of animal lovers, it’s hard to believe that UK law doesn’t currently recognise animals as being able to feel joy, pain, fear and excitement. No one who has ever seen a cow going outside for the first time after a winter indoors, a hen dust bathing, or a pig wallowing in a fresh patch of mud would be in any doubt that animals are sentient. I am shocked that we even find ourselves in this position. 

During the 1990s, Compassion in World Farming – a charity I have long supported – campaigned tirelessly on this issue, resulting in the recognition of animal sentience becoming enshrined in EU law and for this to be given full regard by governments when making and implementing policy.

However, for the past year, following the UK’s departure from the EU, this important protection has been lost. As a vet, I just cannot comprehend that farm animals are currently only seen as ‘goods’ in the eyes of the law. It’s nonsensical.

Thanks to Compassion and other NGOs, MPs are currently debating the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill in Parliament. This will ensure that animals are once again legally recognised as sentient, thinking beings. The Bill has just passed its Committee Stage in the House of Commons, but we aren’t over the finish line just yet, so it’s vital MPs vote in support of the Bill when it has its final stages (7th March).

We don’t need any more dither or delay. What we need is to reinstate the important principle of animal sentience in UK law.

Dr Emma Milne BVSC FRCVS, vet and Supporter of Compassion in World Farming

TV presenter, vet and author Emma Milne is well known for her love of animals. Emma is passionate about animal welfare and advocates better standards of care for pets, conservation of wildlife and an end to factory farming. Emma starred in eleven series of BBC’s Vets in Practice programme (1996 – 2003).

www.emmathevet.co.uk

How to keep your dog safe and happy during a storm

With storms on the way, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, is providing top tips and advice on how to keep our four-legged friends happy and safe.

Charlotte Huggins, Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, says: “Extreme weather can be distressing for dogs. Signs to look out for include pacing around the home, excessive barking, or trying to run and hide.

“There are steps owners can take to comfort their dog and help them cope if their dogs are becoming anxious. If you’re worried about the weather, keep your dog indoors as much as possible.”

Top tips

  • Make sure your dog has enjoyable things to do indoors to keep them stimulated, such as a toy filled with food or a long-lasting chew
  • Play games or practice reward-based training with your dog
  • Close the curtains, turn lights on and turn up the volume on your TV or radio
  • Make sure your house and garden are secure, in case your dog tries to run away if they are scared
  • Provide a safe hiding place – for example, a comfy bed under a table with blankets which will make it cosy and help with soundproofing.
  • If your dog wants to hide, allow them to stay where they feel safe
  • If you can head out safely, always keep your dog on a lead
  • Stay out of flood water as it may contain raw sewage and toxins and other hazards that could injure your dog.

For more information and advice visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/advice 

Crackdown: Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Bill published

Reducing the negative impact of fireworks and pyrotechnics on communities across Scotland is at the heart of new legislation. The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill proposes tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks and the misuse of pyrotechnics.

The Bill follows the report of an independent Firework Review Group which recommended tightening legislation to reduce the harm fireworks can cause.

An analysis of the public consultation, published in December 2021, showed strong support for key measures in the Bill amongst those who responded.

The Bill’s proposals include:

  • the introduction of a fireworks licensing system
  • a new power for local authorities to designate firework control zones, where it is not permitted for the public to use fireworks
  • restricting the days fireworks can be sold to and used by the general public
  • a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks and pyrotechnics to under-18s to ensure adults do not purchase such products on behalf of children
  • a new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic while at, or travelling to, certain places or events, without reasonable excuse

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “This Bill will ensure appropriate action is taken over the sale and use of fireworks as well as reducing the misuse of pyrotechnic devices such as flares.

“We have undertaken a significant programme of engagement and evidence gathering which has demonstrated strong public support for tougher action.

“We have already moved quickly to introduce regulations restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.

“This Bill demonstrates our absolute commitment to further improve safety for communities across Scotland.”

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Linda Jones of Partnership, Prevention and Community Wellbeing said: “Pyrotechnics in the wrong hands can be lethal. They are inherently dangerous and their ongoing misuse is a matter of serious concern to Police Scotland. This is not only due to the risks faced by those who may discharge them, but to those around them.

“There is no safe way to operate pyrotechnics unless you are properly trained – leave it to the experts at organised events.”

Director of Service Delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens said: “It is clear the inappropriate use of fireworks and pyrotechnics such as flares can cause harm and serious injury as well as distress people, pets and the wider community.

“In some cases, fireworks have also been linked to anti-social behaviour which can put our crews and our partners at risk whilst drawing unnecessarily on our emergency service resources. We therefore welcome measures to help keep our communities, staff and partners safe.”

Clinical Research Fellow at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Canniesburn Department of Plastic Surgery Eleanor Robertson said: “We are delighted this Bill is being introduced.

“Firework safety campaigns raise awareness of the hazards and provide risk-reduction strategies, but pediatrics and adult patients continue to present with severe hand and eye injuries. We believe the proposed legislation will substantially reduce both direct and indirect harm from fireworks.”

Head of Education, Policy and Research at the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: “We realise people still want to enjoy fireworks and we always ask that they do it responsibly.

“Misuse of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices can have a negative effect on people and animals across the country and we will always support the introduction of any preventative measures that will help keep Scotland’s people and animals safe.”