The RSPCA column Fireworks: What we are doing for our pets’ sake
THE National RSPCA has been campaigning over the last few years for changes to regulations that govern the sale and use of fireworks, to reduce the impact they have on animals.
Every year the RSPCA receives hundreds of calls about fireworks – the figure fluctuates from year to year, but on average 400 calls are received across England and Wales.
It also receives reports via email and social media of pets and livestock terrified and sometimes injured when trying to flee firework noise.
In 2019 the RSPCA researched current knowledge of the impact of fireworks on animals, published in its report BangOutof Order.
This informs the changes it is calling on the Office for Product Safety Standards, who regulate fireworks, to firstly make restrictions to the private use of fireworks to agreed traditional dates (November 5, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali).
These dates are already recognised as being exceptional in the fireworks regulations and we believe that the existing prohibition on sales at all other times could and should be extended to include use as well.
Secondly – to reduce maximum permitted decibels for private use to 90 decibels.
Studies have indicated that this level – equivalent to a car door slamming – is likely to minimise distress to animals.
The current allowed level, 120 decibels, is equivalent to a jet aircraft taking off. Fireworks above 90 decibels should only be used at licensed public displays. They are also asking for all public firework displays to be licensed. They believe all public fireworks displays need to be licensed by the relevant licensing authority.
Information about the proposed display must be provided in the local area with a process for local residents to appeal against the granting of the licence. This process should also apply to private displays at special events such as weddings.
Finally, they are calling for all private fireworks boxes to be labelled. They would like to see fireworks labelled as ‘loud’ or ‘low noise’ to allow consumers to make an informed decision if they do buy fireworks.
The latest campaign update was back in March 2020 when 27 councils across England and Wales passed a motion pledging better management of fireworks in their areas, following over 27,000 supporters emailing their council – and now more councils are considering this.
We, as a local rehoming centre for Southport, Ormskirk & District support this action and hope for these changes.
In the meantime, owners will fear for this season could be the worst for animals for decades as local lockdowns cancels public events and government restrictions may prompt more people to have DIY fireworks at home.
Here is advice and tips on how to help your animal cope with firework season:
For dogs
Walk them during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off
Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. Put on some music or the TV to mask the firework sounds
Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control
Create some hiding places around your home.
For cats
Keep them indoors and provide hiding places in your home – cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks
Ensure your cats are microchipped in case they’re startled and escape outside.
For small animals
Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out
Provide bedding – small animals can burrow in
Consider bringing them indoors. For more tips and advice or more information on the National RSPCA’s campaign please visit their website.
The RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch is located on New Cut Lane, Southport, Merseyside.