The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has given her support to a campaign by RSPCA Cymru, which asks residents to consider the impact of their bonfire night activities on local pets and wildlife.
In the last four years, the RSPCA say they have received a total of 1,543 calls about fireworks and their effects on animals. This year, in part due to Welsh Coronavirus restrictions and formal organised events being cancelled, a recent poll has confirmed 18% more people in England and Wales will be holding private displays in their back gardens. The organisation believes that the increase number of private displays will result in more calls about animals and fireworks.
Commenting, Janet said:
“It has long been known that unexpected loud noises can be highly stressful to livestock and that animals are more sensitive to high frequency noise than humans. With a recent poll showing a concerning rise in planned domestic firework displays, I am asking all residents to think of the impact of such events on our pets and wildlife.
“The statistics behind the impact of fireworks on our animals are stark - approximately 62% of dogs show signs of distress as a result of the noise, as well as 54% of cats and 55% of horses. Wildlife, like hedgehogs, are also at risk of being burnt alive after making their homes in bonfires. Farm animals are also easily frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light.
“The RSPCA advise that the location of a fireworks display should be selected carefully so as to avoid setting off fireworks near any known group of wild animals or pets. They also implore you to think of potential debris, which can pose a hazard to animals and cause disturbance to livestock.
“If you are one such individual who is planning a private display, please visit the RSPCA Cymru website and check out their bonfire night advice pages. For the sake of our pets and livestock, and as custodians of this land, we must all consider the impact that we have on their well-being.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Please find more information about the RSPCA Cymru campaign, by clicking here.
Photo: Piotr Łaskawski on Unsplash
