Fireworks can lead to Petrified Pets and Spooked Stock

30 October 2014

Fireworks can lead to Petrified Pets and Spooked Stock

A plea to consider the threat to animals from loud explosions and flashes of bright light caused by fireworks has been made by Dr Cath Watson, the president of the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s (NZVA) Companion Animal Society.

“Harming and terrifying animals is not only a welfare concern, it is unethical, and unkind, and veterinarians are concerned about the awful injuries and terror that fireworks can cause.

“Every year animals are brought into clinics with unnecessary, and often very traumatic injuries, either directly or indirectly related to fireworks,” she said.

Of course veterinarians, like everyone else, love to see well-managed firework displays, but are concerned at the damage uncontrolled fireworks from private celebrations can do to animals, both physically and psychologically. Every year our members have to deal with situations related to the inappropriate or thoughtless use of fireworks around animals.

One such example is a horse which needed to be euthanised after it spent a terrifying and painful night trapped in a barbed wire fence after attempting to escape the sound of fireworks from nearby houses.

In another situation a dog was so traumatised that it ran from fireworks until the pads on its feet were worn out and bleeding.

“The bottom line is - animal welfare matters. Keep your pets and stock safe this Guy Fawkes, and if you are planning a fireworks party, give some consideration to your neighbours and their animals” Dr Cath Watson said.

Fireworks can legally be sold from November 2, Sunday until Guy Fawkes’ Night on November 5.

Veterinarians’ advice:

Keep pets (companion animals) indoors
The NZVA recommends that companion animals, like cats and dogs, should be kept inside, preferably with curtains drawn and windows closed. Turning on the radio or television can create a familiar sound, and can drown some of the fireworks noises out. If dogs or cats hide under beds, leave them there until the fireworks finish – they feel safe under that bed. If you know your pet gets distressed by fireworks, see your vet prior to Guy Fawkes season to see if there are specific option to help your pet e.g. medication to reduce the stress response and minimise the risk of trauma.

Farmers should keep stock clear of known fireworks venues
Farmers might want to check paddock fences are secure so frightened stock can’t escape, and they could move stock away from locations where fireworks might be ignited before Guy Fawkes.

Microchip your pets
And, just in case your pet does run away, think seriously about getting your pets microchipped and registered. More than 80% of lost, but microchipped cats were reunited with their families after the Canterbury earthquakes, yet only 15% of unchipped cats were identified and returned to their owners.

ENDS

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