Animal charity, Blue Cross is urging people not to let off fireworks this New Year’s Eve, as pet owners lay bare the extent of suffering loud bangs causes our four-legged friends.
As a difficult year for everyone comes to a close, it is understandable that the British public will be wanting to celebrate a new hope for 2021 this winter and, for some that might include letting off fireworks in their garden.
However, Blue Cross is asking people to think about pets this New Year’s Eve and resist the temptation to use loud fireworks, which we know terrifies our four-legged friends.
A poll by the animal charity has revealed that 70% of people believe fireworks should be banned in the UK, apart from organised events, and 70% of dog and cat owners were concerned for their pet’s welfare this fireworks season.
Of those who have fearful pets, 40% visibly shake, while 36% bark or cry when they hear fireworks. Of those, 29% have had to seek specialist animal behaviourist advice.
Most worryingly of all, 43% of people noticed an increase in garden fireworks this year and almost a quarter of respondents (24%) said they would consider buying silent fireworks as an alternative.
Blue Cross’s Head of Behaviour, Ryan Neile, said: “These results have laid bare the extend of suffering so many of the nation’s pets go through for days and weeks at a time every single year. That’s why we are pleading with people to think about their own actions this New Year’s Eve and consider ditching setting off loud fireworks, which leave many pets literally shaking in fear, for other celebrations.
“We know at Blue Cross just how upsetting this time of year can be for animals – especially now we are seeing more and more people doing their own fireworks in their back gardens.”
Blue Cross is calling on the public to spread the word and display posters in their windows or local community boards, encouraging people not to use fireworks this winter.
The posters can be found and printed off here, as well as a full list of tips and advice for pet owners to help keep their furry friends safe and well this New Year’s Eve.
