It’s high time we banned fireworks

As animals and their owners face weeks of terror...

MY TWO rescue Shetland ponies are quivering in their field as fireworks go off all around them. Some fireworks have even hit my window, waking up my granddaughter. After sitting up all night in the stables as the fireworks exploded, my neighbour has had to pay for a vet to sedate her horses. But how long will the firework season last? It’s high time that the sale of these frighteningly loud fireworks to members of the public were banned.

VIcTORIA HEARN, chelmsford, Essex. THe ridiculous firework season no longer begins and ends on Bonfire Night, but continues for weeks. To entertain a few people, 11 million cats and dogs are terrified, the fire brigade is overworked and hedgehogs that seek refuge in bonfires are roasted alive. It’s time that this nonsense was stopped for all our sakes.

DAVID GLEGHORN, Leeds. AS A vet, I know that this time of year can be frightening for our four-legged friends. Many animals find the loud sounds and brightness of fireworks distressing, so it’s important that owners take steps to help ensure their pets feel safe and relaxed. Build a doggy den in a quiet part of the house, where they can retreat with their favourite blankets and toys. While they should be able to move in and out freely, it needs to be cosy and compact so they feel safe and secure. Distract pets from the commotion outside by keeping them entertained. Play with them and buy new toys that focus their attention elsewhere and may even encourage a positive association with scary noises. Turning up the volume on the radio or TV can mask the sound and create a more relaxing environment. ensure windows and doors are kept closed, as some animals react to a stressful situation by running away. Taking your dog on a long walk during the day ensures you won’t be outside when the fireworks are going off, and also makes them more likely to sleep through the festivities. You may want to go to a firework display, but it’s important not to leave frightened pets at home alone. Owners should behave normally around their pets to avoid them sensing anything unusual and must remain with them to provide comfort if they begin to show signs of stress.

JOHN BURNS, cardiff.