The RSPCA has made an urgent plea to the public to be a ‘Kind Spark’ ahead of Bonfire Night tomorrow (5 November), by considering the impact of firework displays on animals and engaging in conversations with neighbours about any planned celebrations.
The call comes in the wake of two heartbreaking incidents last year, where a horse named Foxy was severely injured and a dog named Luna tragically died after fleeing her home in fear.
Picture credit: RSPCA
The RSPCA is also offering plenty of pet firework advice for animal owners looking to plan ahead to help their pets during the loud bangs.
Carrie Stone, Campaign Manager at the RSPCA said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences. With more than six million households set to let off fireworks this season, animals face a really tough time again.”
Despite the large number of backyard displays anticipated, RSPCA polling suggests they are a big concern for animal owners.
Carrie added: “We know 66 per cent of pet owners say that backyard firework displays are a major concern, which highlights the levels of anxiety and worry that so many animal owners have as we approach the firework season – especially given how impossible it can be to know when someone is going to let off fireworks in your area.”
The RSPCA is urging the public to sign their petition calling for a change in legislation. The public can contact their local Member of Parliament to advocate for stronger firework laws and protect all animals—from pets and horses to livestock and wildlife. The charity’s recommendations include:
- Reducing the noise level of all traditional fireworks from 120dB to 90dB.
- Limiting the sale of consumer fireworks to Category F1 and F2, and only to specialised/licensed shops.
- Designating ‘firework free zones’ in areas where fireworks are likely to have a greater impact on animals, the environment, and vulnerable people.
- Where firework-free zones are in place, local councils would be encouraged to organise their own alternative displays instead.
- Reviewing regulations surrounding alternatives to fireworks, such as drone displays, given their economic potential and benefits to wildlife and the environment.
Carrie Stones reiterated the RSPCA’s call to action, adding: “We’re asking people to help us prevent this suffering and save lives by advocating for change.
“People can take action by emailing your local council and MP to implement our recommendations, while learning how to be a firework-friendly neighbour and utilise the RSPCA’s Kind Sparks advice for pet, horse and livestock owners.
“We want to see a restriction of fireworks sales to licensed venues only, and a limit to a set number of days when people can let off fireworks, enabling animal owners to plan ahead to protect their animals. We’d also like to see the noise level of fireworks reduced by manufacturers, clearly labelled on packaging, and include a warning that the fireworks may cause huge distress to animals.”
The charity is also once again partnering with radio station Classic FM for the return of the much-loved programme Pet Classics, the annual radio show to help owners and pets relax during fireworks season. There will be two specially created programmes this year, tomorrow on Bonfire Night, Wednesday 5 November from 5pm to 9pm, followed by a second programme on Saturday 8 November, to coincide with the busiest night for public and private fireworks displays, also from 5pm to 9pm.
