Firework warning as increase in missing dogs expected
The Kennel Club is calling for tighter regulations on firework usage.
The Kennel Club has released statistics revealing the sharp increase in dogs that go missing due to fireworks.
The dog welfare organisation says that 81 per cent more dogs go missing during fireworks season, likely due to stress and the negative impact of displays on them.
A survey of 1,003 dog owners in the UK found that approximately 80 per cent of dog owners saw a change in their dog’s behaviour during fireworks. This included excessive barking (29 per cent), shivering and trembling (28 per cent) and hiding (27 per cent).
Fifty-two per cent said that they believed that fireworks made their dog anxious, while 30 per cent said their pet was terrified of fireworks. More than one in ten dog owners reported that their dog had attempted to flee during fireworks.
The impact of fireworks on their pets has prompted three in five dog owners to call for government action or a ban on fireworks.
The Kennel Club, as well as other welfare organisations, has been campaigning against unregulated firework use. It is urging the government to conduct a review of firework legislation in Parliament this week.
It is recommending to MPs and other decision-makers that the use of fireworks is restricted to licensed events only, with the maximum decibel limit of fireworks lowered.
It is also calling for a fixed penalty notice system for the misuse of fireworks.
Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, said: “The element of surprise is a key issue for owners and dogs. If owners can anticipate fireworks, they can manage their pet’s distress in a way that works for their dog, and we’re asking government to recognise this and review legislation to better control their use.
“Whilst we urge policy-makers to consider our recommendations to protect dog welfare, we are also urging caution from owners this fireworks season. Every dog will react differently to fireworks and it is really important that owners know what do to and how they can help their four-legged friend, and keep them safe.”
Image © Shutterstock
Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
