Keep your pets safe during fireworks
Dear pet owners,
Today is Australia Day which means firework celebrations. The days following firework displays result in a 400% increase in stray animals brought into RSPCA shelters across the nation. To keep your beloved furry companion safe during fireworks, here are some tips:
- If possible, keep your pet indoors in a safe and familiar area.
- Walk and feed your dog before fireworks begin as this can help decrease any fear or anxiety they may experience.
- Leave your TV or radio on; you could even use the fireworks time to do a load of laundry! The sound generated by these appliances can help dull out the loud firework noise.
Most importantly, make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag and/or is micro-chipped with up-to-date contact details. I cannot stress the importance of having your pet micro-chipped with your details or wearing an ID tag on its collar – it really does help in the successful reunion of your pet if they ever manage to become lost.
RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Dr Magdoline Awad said a lot of people are unaware of the effects sudden loud noises can have on animals. “Dogs and horses are particularly affected by fireworks,” said Dr Awad. “Animals can break through fences, smash through glass doors or run onto roadways among traffic. Sadly, many die as a result of their injuries.”
RSPCA staff members are still working to reunite owners with lost pets that went missing as a result of New Year’s Eve fireworks. If you find a lost animal without identification; do not keep it. Take it to your local council pound or the RSPCA so the animal can be scanned for a microchip. If the animal is injured, please contact your local vet or the RSPCA.
“You may think you’re doing the right thing by holding onto the animal, but it’s actually illegal,” said Dr Awad. “Every attempt must be made to contact the animal’s owner.
For more advice and information, please feel free to contact your local RSPCA shelter.
