Pethealthcare - Features - Bang out of Order

3rd November 2006

Bang out of Order

Domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife can all suffer as a result of the noise created by loud fireworks. Here we look at how you can care for your own pet this fireworks season and what can be done to minimise suffering for other animals in the future.

Every year the RSPCA has to deal with hundreds of calls regarding firework related incidents such as terrified pets that have bolted or accidents that could easily have been avoided.

The 2006 Fireworks campaign focuses on calling supporters to lobby Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) with the message that the public wants the noise level on fireworks set at 97dBAI not 120dBAI. It will also encourage the public to only purchase low noise level fireworks and highlight to firework manufacturers that the public want that choice.

If you feel strongly about the distress fireworks cause pets, wildlife and livestock, then please support the RSPCA campaign to "Keep the noise down!" Last year the RSPCA recorded an 82 per cent increase in the number of calls about distressed and injured animals on and around Bonfire Night.

Between Friday, 4 November 2005 and Sunday, 6 November 2005, 255 calls were made to the RSPCA's cruelty hotline compared with 140 calls received during the same period last year.

Reported incidents include:

A cat is believed to have died after having fireworks tied to it.
Two tethered horses were seen rearing up and galloping in circles due to loud fireworks being set off nearby.
Children were seen throwing fireworks at a tethered horse.
A gull was rescued after being injured by firework.
A terrified horse escaped from the field where it was tethered and was running loose in a street.
A hedgehog needed veterinary treatment after being hit by a firework.
A Canada goose was injured when it was hit by a firework.

The Society believes the increasing number of incidents proves the government should do more to combat the suffering fireworks cause animals.

Keep the noise down!

A new RSPCA report reveals that a proposed EU Directive could condemn animals to a lifetime of suffering fear and distress on and around Bonfire Night.

"Thousands of animals up and down the country suffer distress or injury every year because of firework noise," said Tim Miles, the RSPCA's chief veterinary adviser. "Our research shows this distress could be dramatically reduced if fireworks no louder than 97 decibels (dBAI) were available to the public for private displays."

RSPCA-commissioned research, revealed in the report Keep the noise down, concludes that a noise limit of 97 decibels (dBAI) should be set for fireworks available for private use by the public. This noise level, similar to that of a car door slamming, would help reduce the distress and suffering loud fireworks cause animals. The current noise limit is 120 decibels (dBAI) - equivalent to a jet aircraft taking off or a pneumatic drill being used one metre away.

A draft EU Directive is proposing that the noise limit of 120 decibels (dBAI) be implemented Europe-wide - this could prevent the UK government from setting its own lower noise limit in future.

"The government must ensure regulations go far enough to reduce distress to animals and a clause should be included in the EU Directive that allows member states to set their own maximum noise limits for fireworks," continued Mr Miles. "Fireworks don't have to be loud to be impressive."

Quiet fireworks

The RSPCA conducted research into noise levels of fireworks and found designs of fireworks that create less noise. Fireworks registered under category two of the British Standards are all low noise.

Protect Your Own Pets

With bonfire night around the corner protect your pet by following our animal-friendly firework code:

Cats

Keep your cat indoors.
Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise.
Leave your cat to take refuge in a corner if it wishes. Do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress.
Make sure your cat is microchipped to ensure it can be returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost.

Dogs

Exercise your dog during the day.
Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.
As with cats, keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music to drown out the noise.
Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.
Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

Small animals
Small animals - such as rabbits and guinea pigs - living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noise. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection.

Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured. Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled while fireworks are being let off. Make sure fireworks are not in view by closing the stable door.

Bonfires
Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl in to them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.

Always clear up after a fireworks party - litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

Never let off fireworks near animals!

If you see an animal in need of help call the RSPCA's cruelty and advice line on 0870 55 55 999.