The SPCA is calling on Kiwis not to buy and light fireworks this Guy Fawkes and “take a stand for animal welfare”.
The organisation said the bright flashes and loud bangs of Guy Fawkes night can be stressful for pets and their owners, receiving "dozens" of calls each year because of fireworks.
These calls are often thanks to “injuries, frightened animals, pets that have run away in distress, and occasionally, deliberate abuse of animals with fireworks”.
In a statement, SPCA’s scientific officer Alison Vaughan said the loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks can cause “severe distress” for pets, farm animals and native bird populations.
“Research shows that fireworks can have both short and long-term impacts on bird populations, from the initial panic causing birds to flee an area or even death to long-term impacts on breeding success,” she said.
“A survey of horse guardians in New Zealand also found that 35% of respondents reported having horses break through a fence in response to fireworks, and more than a quarter of respondents reported horses sustaining injuries.”
The SPCA offered a series of tips so owners can keep their animals safe on Sunday and the days leading up to it when fireworks can be sold.
- Never let fireworks off close to animals.
- Stay home with your pet – they will be less stressed with someone they trust close by.
- Keep them indoors – they won’t see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Turn on your radio or TV to help drown out loud bangs with familiar sounds.
- Exercise your dog early in the day to avoid being out during dusk when fireworks could be set off. If your cat has outdoor access, bring them inside before it begins to get dark.
- Both cats and dogs should be microchipped with contact details up to date and have a collar and identification tag with your contact details on it. If your pet panics and runs away, this will help to reunite you with your pet.
- To minimise stress, keep horses and farmed animals in their familiar paddocks and with their usual companions unless a firework display is planned close by. Make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks and stables thoroughly for anything that could cause injury, such as protruding nails.
- Don’t forget small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens. Have them tucked away safely or even inside for the night.
They are also calling on the government to ban the sale of fireworks, an idea which has “huge support from New Zealanders and other organisations”.
“While members of the public are restricted to purchasing fireworks on set days, there is nothing stopping them from being set off on any day of the year – not just on Guy Fawkes – meaning pet and farmed animal owners must remain vigilant at all times,” says Dr Vaughan.
SPCA Chief Executive Todd Westwood said: “Many pet owners will know just how distressing fireworks can be for their animals, so please think twice before letting off fireworks in your backyard this Guy Fawkes.
“The potential harm caused to animals is just not worth it for a few minutes of enjoyment by people.”
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