Firework legislation must go further to protect animals

“My cat, Monkey is terrified of fireworks. As a cat who likes to go out when it’s dark and quiet, it’s most frustrating when fireworks are set off outwith the usual bonfire night, where I can plan to keep him inside. If he is outside when he hears them, he will run back home and cower under the bed for some time. He will also tremble and be afraid to come back out. It’s the unexpected fireworks that make it worse, the ones set off in people’s gardens. We also live near a wedding venue so there are times where fireworks are set off every weekend.”

This is what our fundraising manager Lauren had to say when she was asked how her pet cat reacts when fireworks are let off near her home in Fife. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only story like this we’ve heard. Over the past few weeks, we have received multiple stories from our supporters telling us how their own animals respond to fireworks.

Here are some of the other messages we have received:

“Every year we have to purchase sedatives from our vet to sedate them as they become so distressed with fireworks. They should be restricted to organised displays on specific dates and should be silent.”

“We had rescued two ponies and one of them was also terrified and had to be held with his halter and comforted throughout the noise of fireworks.”

“Taking my six-year-old rescue greyhound for a walk can become a nightmare, whatever time of day.  Despite advice and medication from the vet, nothing seems to work. “

The noise from loud fireworks can be a very real source of fear, distress and injury for not only pets but all kinds of animals including birds, wild animals, zoo animals and livestock. In recent years there have been reports of communities such as Collecchio in Italy introducing laws to make all fireworks silent to reduce the stress that the loud noises cause both pets and wildlife. Unfortunately, no fireworks are actually silent and it’s often more a question of choosing the most appropriate type – Roman candles rather than rockets, for example.  However, it’s not just the sound of fireworks that can cause animal welfare problems. Firework debris is often left behind in fields or water troughs which can lead to injury or contamination. While OneKind understands that lots of people enjoy attending firework displays around the world, we believe that these celebrations should not come at the expense of Scotland’s animals.

The current controls on the storage and sale of fireworks – the Fireworks Regulations 2004 – are reserved to Westminster, while the use of fireworks, both by private households and public displays, is regulated by Scottish Parliament legislation – the Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004.  OneKind believes both sets of rules could do a lot more to protect animals from fear and distress. We believe there need to be stronger controls to make sure animals are not caused unnecessary suffering because of the use of fireworks, especially those let off in private events outwith the traditional firework celebrations.

The Scottish Government’s consultation on the use and regulation of fireworks in Scotland asks questions about storage, sale and use of fireworks and is open until Monday 13^th May. OneKind will be responding in due course. We’re also encouraging our supporters to submit their own responses, especially in relation to section four which asks, “do you think that there should be more controls to make sure animals are not caused unnecessary suffering because of the use of fireworks?”

Has your pet ever cowered in fear of fireworks? Or have you seen other animals suffering when they are going off? Take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation here and tell them what you think should be done to prevent more animals suffering before the next round of firework celebrations takes place.