Blue Cross urges nation to speak out about firework plans

It’s not just the elderly and children that fireworks can frighten. Research from national pet charity, Blue Cross, reveals the screeches and bangs can have a devastating effect on pets too. Many pet owners say these loud and often unexpected noises and flashes raise their pets stress levels (47%), and many will hide for several hours (45%) because they are so afraid. Over a third of owners say their pets become timid and fear leaving the home for days that follow.

A survey of pet owners by the charity found the nation’s dogs were the most affected by fireworks (64%) followed by cats (42%) and horses (17%). While fireworks are fun and exciting for many of us, the erratic and sudden loud bangs, high pitched noises and flashes can be painful to all animals due to their sensitive hearing and cause fear and confusion.

As a result, pet owners are left to consult their vets (22%), confront their communities (15%), even move to new homes (9%) and sadly rehome their pets (7%). Yet, a quarter (24%) of the public surveyed admit they were unaware of the problems fireworks pose to our nation’s pets.

Aston spoke to Leigh-Ann Reed, animal behaviourist at Blue Cross who was on hand to encourage anyone planning a home firework display this year to warn their local communities, in a bid to keep pets happy and pet owners well prepared for this year’s Bonfire Night.