Ahead of Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year’s Eve, the British Veterinary Association is urging animal owners to take action now to protect pets, horses, livestock and wildlife from fireworks-related distress and injury.
Across mainstream and social media, BVA is raising awareness of the devastating impact fireworks can have on animals including acute anxiety, panic-related accidents and physical injury.
“We’re explaining the signs of distress owners need to look out for – from the more obvious, such as panting, drooling or attempts to escape in dogs, to the more subtle like restlessness, hiding, toileting in the house, rabbits thumping or freezing, and poultry huddling in a fear response,” BVA said in statement.
“We’re also encouraging clients to prepare now by speaking to their vet where an animal is likely to be significantly distressed and highlighting that by working closely with vet teams, longer-term management of noise phobias can be successful.”
BVA said current controls on the sale and use of fireworks do not go far enough to protect animal welfare.
The association is working with the Fireworks Impact coalition to call for stricter regulation.
The coalition will raise awareness amongst politicians and decision makers at an event in the Houses of Parliament on November 4, highlighting the impact of fireworks on both people and animals and making the case for stronger controls.
