RSPCA expecting hundreds of calls this bonfire night
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The RSPCA is preparing for another busy fireworks season by issuing advice for pet owners and those planning displays.
Last year the RSPCA received 436 calls relating to fireworks during October and November - more than in 2014 (364), 2013 (310) and 2012 (326).
The charity backed a fireworks campaign started by Julie Doorne earlier this year which led to a debate in Parliament by MPs. The campaign urged consideration to be given to restrict the private use of fireworks to all but certain days of the year - November 5, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
For now displays can take place on any day so the RSPCA would urge organisers to be vigilant and give plenty of notice to people in the area so they can be prepared. Organisers can also do their bit by ensuring there are no farm animals close by or wildlife in the area or even nesting or hiding in the bonfire itself.
RSPCA welfare expert Lisa Richards said: “There are some simple things owners can do to help their pets. Make sure dogs and cats are kept indoors when fireworks are likely to go off, try to mask the noise of the fireworks by turning on the TV or music, and provide pets with a safe place to hide at all times.
“Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra bedding so they can burrow and some of their enclosure could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and sound-proofing.
“It is not just dogs and cats that are affected by fireworks, farm animals can be easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light, which can startle them and cause them to injure themselves on farm equipment, and wildlife can be burnt alive after making their home in bonfires so it’s important to be careful at this time of year.”
The charity would also like to see the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale reduced from 120 decibels - equivalent to a jet aircraft taking off at 100 metres - to 96 decibels.
The RSPCA advises:
- Fireworks phobia is a treatable condition and vet advice should be sought in the first instance.
- Using a Sounds Scary! CD can help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud noises in the long-term.
- For any pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or rodent, make sure you provide suitable hiding places with extra bedding where they can feel safe. This is also true for animals that live outside.
- Close all windows and curtains.
- Play music or put on the television to muffle the fireworks.
- Make sure they’re kept in a safe place during any display.
- Never punish or fuss over them as it can make things worse.
- Make sure your pets are microchipped in case they escape.
- Give your dog their walk earlier in the day.
- Never ever take a dog to a fireworks display – even if they don’t make noise or show other signs of being scared – it’s still highly likely to be a stressful situation for them.
- Pheromone diffusers may help dogs and cats feel calmer.
- One victim of fireworks cruelty is Merlin who was burned from head to tail when a group of youths tied a firework to him and set it alight.
After the attack in Bradford in 2014 Merlin was rushed to the vets for emergency care before transferred to the RSPCA Hull and East Ridings branch to recover.
Branch chairwoman Jackie Dainty said: “I couldn’t believe his injuries, we didn’t know if he was going to survive. Who on earth would be so cruel to do something so awful to an animal?
“We thought if he did pull through he would be scarred for life, his fur wouldn’t grow back, he’d need long-term care so I offered to give him a home without even meeting him.
“When I met him I fell absolutely in love with him. Despite everything he’d been through, despite his horrific injuries he just wanted to be cuddled, stroked and held.”
Incredibly Merlin’s wounds recovered and is now happily living with Jackie, her other cat Rudi and their rescue dog Lexi.
Jackie said: “He has coped so well. Incredibly he’s not even afraid of loud noises. I was expecting he would be terrified but we kept him indoors on bonfire night and he was fine. He’s an amazing cat.”
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