Keep your pets safe this Bonfire Night

The Scottish SPCA has urged Renfrewshire families to keep pets safe in the lead up to Bonfire Night.

The animal welfare charity warns that pets can become startled by loud bangs from fireworks. Experts say they should be kept inside to prevent panic.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn has called for tougher rules on rockets.

He said:“The Scottish SPCA has campaigned for tighter restrictions on the sale and public use of fireworks for many years. Current regulations are so relaxed that fireworks can be set off on any given day, and for weeks and months on end, rather than being limited to the major festival periods.

“This leaves pet owners and farmers unable to make adequate provisions for their animals. People can forget that a dog’s hearing is twice as sensitive as a human’s and a cat’s is three times as sensitive.

“The current legal noise limit for a firework is 120 decibels – humans are advised to wear ear protection when exposed to noise above 80 decibels.

“There are a number of measures owners can take during firework season ranging from sedating their pet under veterinary supervision to providing alternative background noise.

“For dogs, the most important aspect is companionship and ensuring they are not left home alone.”

The Scottish SPCA has called for firework sales to be halted after Guy Fawkes’Night.

It has warned dogs and wildlife have become lost or injured after running off across Renfrewshire.