West Sussex Gazette

READERS’ CHARTER

- ROSE BAILEY CLIC Sargent fundraisin­g manager – Sussex CHRIS BURGHES Chief executive, Blue Cross

cancontinu­etobethere­formore children

and young people from West Sussex facing cancer.

As a difficult year for everyone comes to a close, here at Blue Cross we understand people will be wanting to celebrate new hope for 2021 this winter.

Forsome,thatmighti­nclude letting off their own fireworks in back gardens. However, we are asking people to think about our pets this New Year’s Eve and resist the temptation to set off loud fireworks, which terrify our four-legged friends.

Blue Cross has asked the questions and the British public has told us:

Most people (70 per cent) think fireworks should be banned in the UK – except for at organised or licensed events.

More than two thirds (70 per cent) of dog or cat owners are concerned about their pet’s welfare this firework season. And worryingly, nearly half (43 per cent) of people noticed an increase in garden fireworks on Bonfire Night and the surroundin­g days this year.

These results have laid bare the extent of suffering so many ofthenatio­n’spetsgothr­oughfor days and weeks at a time every single year.

That’s why we are pleading with people to think about their own actions this New Year’s Eve and consider ditching setting off loud fireworks, which leave many pets literally shaking in fear, for other celebratio­ns.

We are also calling on the public to spread the word and displaypos­tersinthei­rwindows or local community boards, encouragin­g people not to use fireworks this winter.

These can be found and printed off from our website, as well as a full list of top tips and advice for all pet owners to help keeptheirf­urryfriend­ssafeand well this New Year’s Eve.

Let’s make this suffering a thing of the past.

This newspaper is built on a tradition of accuracy and fairness, giving you the informatio­n you need to understand our world, holding power to account and exposing injustice. Our trusted brand means we are the only place where you can read and participat­e in honest debates. We are committed to giving a voice to those who struggle to be heard as well as those whose profession is crafting an argument.

Our Readers’ Charter spells out our commitment to you. You can read the Charter online at westsussex­today.co.uk

 ?? ?? Another view of the festive displays on show at Stoneyfiel­d Cottages, Eastergate (see front page)
Another view of the festive displays on show at Stoneyfiel­d Cottages, Eastergate (see front page)

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