The Island’s RSPCA is reminding pet owners of steps they can take to ensure their companions are not alarmed or distressed by bonfire night fireworks.
The advice comes after research found that, with many public firework events being cancelled because of COVID, more people than ever will be attending private displays at home or with friends.
Nationally, the RSPCA has in the last five years received 1,621 calls about fireworks – and it fears this year could be worse if many more people go ahead with displays in their gardens as expected – affecting not only pets but livestock and wildlife too.
Suzanne Pugh, IW RSPCA branch manager said:
“We know that owners with nervous animals do get worried at this time of the year and with more stay-at-home firework parties planned they may be especially anxious at the moment.
“That is why we are reminding them that there are many steps they can take to minimize the risk of their pets becoming distressed.
“These simple steps include bringing pets inside, providing extra bedding to make a safe haven, walking your dog during the day and not when fireworks are likely to be set off and playing background music to diffuse the noise of any fireworks.
“We would also advise you to consult your vet if you feel your pet is particularly anxious. Further advice is also available on the RSPCA website on how to prepare your pets in advance.”
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Islanders are also being urged to take part in a new online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BTX2N5M) launched by the RSPCA to map incidents from which the organisation can gain a better understanding of how it could help owners in the future. For animal welfare concerns and advice people should still ring our cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
With regard to dogs, I feel that hiding them away will only make their anxiety worse. I have had three dogs in my lifetime, all who had long happy lives, and around fireworks night each year I would take them out at night so that they could see the fireworks going up into the air and hear the bangs. I would point to rockets and make a game of watching them with my dog, and act happy every time one went up. All of my dogs were perfectly calm on bonefire nights and new years eve, and were never scared by them. Won’t apply to all dogs I know, but worth trying to get your dog accustomed to what causes the noise.
Maybe we should just stop celebrating a failed overthrowing of government. Other countries celebrate when they gain democracy. We celebrate when we failed. It’s an event designed to remind us of our place and that we should stay there. It’s a mode of oppression by the ruling classes.
Is this the same RSPCA that will now offer to come & gas a Badger set in rather then relocating them??
Sorry in was Then, but no seriously that was the advice they gave a client……really!!!
The same RSPCA that wasn’t in the least interested when I said I had a bird with a damaged wing in a ventilated box that needed help. Their advice – take it to a vet . I asked if they would pay for it . Their answer was a resounding NO it’s not their job.