Concerns raised over possibility of 'worst fireworks season in decades' for animals in Suffolk as more people host private displays for Bonfire Night in lockdown

Charities have raised concerns that this fireworks season could be the worst in decades for animals in Suffolk as more people opt for private displays in their back gardens due to the coronavirus restrictions cancelling organised public events.

The RSPCA said each year it receives hundreds of calls about fireworks affecting animals – over the last four years, the animal welfare charity has received 1,543 calls about fireworks.

And with Bonfire Night this evening coinciding with the day on which England enters into a second lockdown, it is possible that more people are planning private displays than in previous years.

In 2019, the RSPCA launched its #BangOutOfOrder campaign calling for tighter controls and regulations around the sale and use of fireworks in a bid to help people and animals who suffer with fireworks phobias and noise aversion. To find out more about the campaign, click here .

RSPCA animal welfare expert Dr Mark Kennedy said: “We understand that people enjoy celebrating Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and other key dates with fireworks and we don’t want to spoil the fun.

"Unfortunately, lockdown measures this year mean that very few organised, public displays are likely to go ahead and we suspect this means lots of families will be choosing to have their own displays at home."

Dr Kennedy urged people to be considerate and tell neighbours with animals, including those with nearby horses and other livestock, of plans in advance so they can make preparations to reduce the stress to their animals.

But it's not just causing animals stress that is a concern.

Dr Kennedy added: “Fireworks are extremely stressful and frightening for lots of animals. But they can also cause very serious injury and even death to some."

Meanwhile, the Dogs Trust is urging all dog owners to take preventative measures to prepare their dogs for fireworks.

Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust said: “For many dogs and their owners, firework season is always one they dread. But this year, dog owners are faced with the added worry that more fireworks will be set off in the local neighbourhood due to large scale gatherings being cancelled.

“Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them.

"Fireworks also tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be distressing and have a lasting impact on dogs."

The dog expert says there are 'lots of things' dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful.

"Simple steps such as providing safe spaces for them to hide or settling them before the fireworks start can make a big difference," she said.

“We would also urge anyone thinking of putting on their own fireworks display to consider the welfare of their four-legged friends and others in the neighbourhood by following our Firework Dog Code.”

Advice for dog owners:

• Walk your dog before dark – make sure your dog is well-exercised and has had a toilet break before the fireworks begin
• Feed your dog before the fireworks begin as they may become unsettled and not want to eat during the fireworks
• Make sure your house and garden are secure during the fireworks as fear may make your dog try to escape
• Try to settle your dog before the fireworks start – if your dog is in familiar safe surroundings it will help them cope with the noise
• Provide a safe hiding place – make sure your dog has somewhere safe in their favourite room, perhaps under a table. Close curtains, turn lights on, and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out firework noises and flashing lights

The Dogs Trust said it has long been supportive of further restrictions being introduced around the sale of fireworks, limiting them to licensed, public occasions at certain times of the year, and organised events only.

But with many public displays being cancelled this year due to social distancing measures, the charity also has some advice for people holding private garden displays and how they can be considerate of the four-legged residents in their neighbourhoods.

Advice for people wishing to host a private display:

• Let your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs
• Limit your display to 30 minutes or less
• Opt for quieter, lower decibel fireworks

For further advice about preventing and dealing with fear of loud noises such as fireworks, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks

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