How to Keep Animals Safe During Firework Season

The Danger of Fireworks to Animals?

• The sudden and loud noise can cause significant fear and distress to many animals.
• Horses and livestock can become startled and try to get away which can result in injuries caused by fencing or other equipment around the yard.
• Debris produced by fireworks can pose a hazard to horses, livestock and wildlife.
• The chemicals can be harmful to dogs and cats.
• Careless use of fireworks can cause mutilations and fatal accidents to animals near the event.
• Fireworks can cause fires which can significantly harm animals including wildlife.
• Fireworks are also highly disturbing to birds and can cause them to abandon their nests or even whole colonies.

 How to calm your dog?

• 
  Walk them during daylight hours.
• Close windows and doors.
• Play music or have the TV on to drown out the sound.
• Create a safe haven / den where your dog feels safe.
• Don’t leave them alone.
• Consider using a calming vest or plug in calming adaptor. 

What about cats?

• Consider keeping them inside.
• Provide plenty of hiding places in your home.
• Ensure they are microchipped in case they escape.

Don’t forget Small Animals?

• Consider bringing them indoors (but get them used to this beforehand).
• Partly cover outdoor pens/cages.
• Provide plenty of bedding for burrowing.

How about Horses and Livestock?

• Check to see if there are going to be any local firework displays.
• If possible, contact the organisers and ask them to set off the fireworks in the opposite direction.
• If possible, desensitise animals to loud noises and lights prior to firework season.
• Make sure the stable and yard are safe and tidy to reduce the risk of fires.
• Check stables/fields for any sharp objects / protruding nails in wood etc.
• Try to maintain the animal’s usual routine as much as possible.
• Be with them if you can.
• Know your horse / animal and whether they would be happier in a stable or field. This varies for individual animals and there is no evidence to suggest one is safer than the other.

And of course our precious wildlife?

• Check bonfires for any sleeping wildlife prior to lighting.
• It is recommended that you build or rebuild your bonfire the night of lighting.
• Provide wildlife such as hedgehogs with an alternative housing option eg a specific house or designated log pile.