Vets in call for end to fireworks ‘ trauma’
VETS are c a l l i n g on retailers to stop selling fireworks due to the distress it causes pets and wildlife. In an open letter, Dave Leicester, of Vets Now, has issued a plea to supermarkets and convenience stores to take immediate action to prevent animals being traumatised and injured on and around bonfire night.
And he is asking members of the public to back the call by signing a change. org petition.
Senior emergency vert Dave claims the cancellation of official fireworks displays will make the problem worse than ever this year.
He said: “The dangers fireworks pose to pets, livestock and wildlife is no secret.
“Every year in our emergency clinics, we see the heart- breaking reality of seemingly- harmless fireworks displays — pets burnt or hit by cars after being spooked; others bolting and going missing, sometimes never to return; self- inflicted, life- changing injuries caused in a moment of panic, and, sadly, also deliberate, malicious firework injuries.
“As organised local fireworks displays are likely to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, more people will look to hold their own private displays using fireworks.
“This will lead to even greater risk than in previous years.”
Scottish company Vets Now has branches UK- wide, including an emergency vet hospital at Charing Cross.
The emergency vets there are bracing themselves to be inundated with calls from worried pet owners across Scotland in the run up to November 5.
To sign the change. org petition go to www. change. org/ p/ britishretailconsortium- stop- retailersfromselling- fireworks- in- theirstores