Report highlights stress that fireworks can cause to animals
The RSPCA has called on the government to further restrict the public sale and use of fireworks to four specific seasons and festival dates.
It comes in response to new figures which show 62 per cent of dog owners and 54 per cent of cat owners said their animal showed signs of distress during the firework season. The figures are published in a new RSPCA report - Bang out of Order: Fireworks Frighten Animals - which highlights the stress that fireworks can cause to animals.
The RSPCA would like to see the sale and use of fireworks limited to November 5, December 31, Chinese New Year and Diwali. It also believes there should be a noise restriction on the maximum levels of decibels fireworks can reach, and all displays should be licensed in advertised in advance.
Since 2014, the RSPCA has received some 2,285 calls about fireworks, with 411 last year alone. Among these included calls from owners of dogs, horses, alpacas and even an African grey parrot.
Claire McParland, RSPCA government relations manager, said: “We see the impact of fireworks on animals every year and we know there's strong public feeling about the use of fireworks, with more than 400,000 people signing petitions to restrict their use in recent years.
“We're urging the government to act on this strength of feeling - which would support owners to help their animals cope at this time of year. There is current legislation in place but we believe the Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks Regulations 2004 don't go far enough.”
The RSPCA report explores the problem with fireworks, how noise levels are measured, what the law says and how owners can protect their animals.
Among its recommendations include a call to see all fireworks displays licensed by the relevant licensing authority, with information about the proposed display provided in the local area several weeks in advance.
It also highlights a need to to have a better understanding of the impact of fireworks noise on animal welfare so that future developments can be more effectively informed.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
