An organised Bonfire Night event is safest

follow the fireworks code. The fifth of November is our busiest night of the year by up to four times.

“By attending an official display, you can help ensure our resources aren’t delayed for someone who really needs our assistance.” Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Scottish SPCA head of Education and Policy, said: “For years we have supported tighter restrictions on public use due to the stress and anxiety caused to animals.

“Most calls report animals being injured trying to escape the noise of fireworks, including dogs running on to roads and being hit by oncoming traffic, swans flying into electricity pylons and horses being badly hurt after running through barbed wire fences.

“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to improve animal welfare surrounding the use of fireworks.”

Fiona Clarke, an autistic person living in Scotland, has supported the campaign.

She said: ”I think visually fireworks are a sensory delight and portray celebration but for some people – with and even without sensory issues – the noise and flashes of light, together with the unpredictable nature of how long they will go on for, can be overwhelming

“It’s not just sensory issues that can cause some autistic people difficulty with fireworks, as some may simply not understand what Bonfire Night is or what to expect.

“I think this campaign is very important in raising awareness of the negative impact, in addition to physical safety concerns, fireworks could have on others.

“I’d encourage people to be more mindful of that by attending local organised fireworks displays where practical.”

Visit www.firescotland.gov.uk. To report the misuse of fireworks anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.