'A diabolical night': animal groups call for fireworks ban ahead of Guy Fawkes

Friday, 28 October 2016

Planning is key for helping your pets cope with fireworks, experts say.

A dog that ran until the pads of its feet were worn and bloody is just one case that supports a ban on fireworks, a national veterinary organisation says.

The terrified dog and a horse euthanised after it spent a night trapped in a barbed wire fence were among the horrors vets dealt with around Guy Fawkes, New Zealand Veterinary Association's Dr Helen Beattie said.

Fireworks will be on sale from November 2.

An opportunity to advance animal welfare was lost in 2015 when the government rejected a 25,000 signature petition calling for a ban on the public sale of fireworks, she said.

Now, with fireworks set to hit the shops again, the veterinary association and Wellington SPCA said they still supported a ban.

Ros Alsford, manager of corporate services for Wellington SPCA, said Wellington SPCA would support a ban.

Vet John Hewitt and vet nurse Heather Hewitt own Valley Vets in Ashurst and say they get plenty of calls from owners worried about fireworks.

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Wellington SPCA spokeswoman Rosalind Alsford said animals fleeing from noise and smoke made by fireworks could be injured.

'We get a lot of calls mainly about dogs running scared on the streets, or from concerned members of the public regarding ducks and birds at parks where people often go to let the fireworks off.'

The New Zealand Fire Service supported the 2015 petition but a spokesperson said they now focused on providing the public with safety advice.

Call-outs for the service increased around Guy Fawkes, they said.

'We would prefer people to attend public fireworks displays rather than using them at home.'

Veterinary nurse Heather Hewitt said there was usually an increase in calls to her Ashurst Valley Vets clinic in the lead up to Guy Fawkes.

'We did know of one Levin dog who was so scared he broke through a window and bled to death.'

Planning ahead for pets was key to helping them through, locking cats inside the house well ahead of time and attaching identity disks attached to collars could help prevent tragedy.

If all else failed a trip to the vet could help. 'We have people who know it's going to be a diabolical night and get tranquilisers.'

In New Zealand fireworks were sold for the three days in the lead up to Guy Fawkes – November 2 to 5. Buyers must be 18 years old and have valid ID.

The sale of fireworks to the public is illegal in every Australian state except the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Tips to help keep your pets safe and calm

1. Stay home with your pet – they'll be less stressed with someone they trust close by.

2. Keep them indoors – where they won't see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close all doors and windows and draw the curtains. Turn up the volume on your radio or TV to help drown out loud bangs.

3. Put a collar and registration tag on your dog – if your dog panics and bolts, it will help rescuers reunite you. Attach a disc with your contact phone number.

4. Have your animals microchipped and ensure your details up to date on the national database. It is much more likely you can quickly be reunited if your animal runs away because of fireworks.

5. Take special care of elderly or nervous pets – talk to your vet for the best advice on keeping them calm.

6. Move horses and farm animals away from fireworks and make sure all fences are secure. Stable your horses where possible.