Two-thirds of pets upset by fireworks
ALMOST two-thirds of owners claim their pets are distressed by fireworks, a poll said – as the RSPCA blasted the horrific death of cat killed by a pyrotechnic.
A university study also found that wild birds are traumatised by the bangs and flashes set off around Guy Fawkes night.
Britain’s biggest animal welfare charity is investigating the cat death from a firework. Inspectors recovered Domino’s remains in her owner’s north London garden with firework burns, while a firework stick and pellets were found nearby.
Her unnamed owners are said to be “shocked and devastated by such cruelty towards their sweet, loving and extremely beautiful family pet”.
The Daily Express is backing a change.org petition calling for tighter regulation of fireworks to prevent harm.
Scream
RSPCA inspector Simon Hoggett, who is investigating Domino’s death on October 25, said: “I am shocked and appalled and my heart goes out to her poor owner and family.”
Her owner said that at the time of her death, neighbours heard the sound of a firework and something “similar to a scream”.
The RSPCA poll of nearly 2,500 people in September revealed that 63 per cent of respondents believed their pets suffered firework-related stress. Last year, nearly 12,000 people contacted the charity’s new online system for reporting the impact of fireworks on their pets and domestic animals.
RSPCA campaigns manager Carrie Stones said: “Due to larger displays being cancelled, there will be lots of little DIY displays, spreading out noise and causing prolonged distress for animals.
“Keep animals in mind if you are planning your own display and check out our website advice.”
The RSPCA has launched a social media campaign #BangOutOfOrder to persuade the Government to tighten controls around the sale and use of fireworks.
Anglia Ruskin University researchers discovered the heart rate of geese doubled and their body temperature rose three per cent – measures of stress – around fireworks.
The results, published in the journal Conservation Physiology, showed heart rates were still 31 per cent above normal two hours after the display and it took five hours for them to return to normal.