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Firework warning as increase in missing dogs expected
The Kennel Club is calling for tighter regulations on firework usage.
81 per cent more dogs go missing during fireworks season.

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

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue restricted zone extended

Following the discovery of a new case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 on the Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire border, the restricted zone has been extended to include all of Northamptonshire.

The zone now covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.