The RSPCA has issued a stark warning against home fireworks displays, amid fears this season could be worst in decades for animals on the Isle of Wight.
The charity, which has a base in Godshill, fears nervous animals will have to endure more fireworks displays this year due to lockdown and COVID restrictions on public gatherings.
An RSPCA poll - conducted by Savanta ComRes – has revealed 21 per cent of adults in the UK plan to hold a private firework display this year. A further 20 per cent also plan to attend one – nearly twice as many as last year.
Over the past four years, the animal welfare charity has received 1,543 calls about fireworks.
RSPCA animal welfare expert, Dr Mark Kennedy, said:
“We understand that people enjoy celebrating Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and other key dates with fireworks and we don’t want to spoil the fun.
“Unfortunately, lockdown measures this year mean that very few organised, public displays are likely to go ahead and we suspect this means lots of families will be choosing to have their own displays at home.
“Due to the Rule of Six and the restrictions on households mixing, we fear that there will be lots of little displays taking place over weeks and weeks, spreading out fireworks noise and causing prolonged distress for animals.
“We’d urge people to be considerate and keep neighbours with animals, including those with nearby horses and other livestock, informed of plans well in advance so they can make preparations to reduce the stress to their animals.”
Last year, the charity launched its #BangOutOfOrderCampaign calling for tighter regulations around the use of fireworks, in a bid to help people and animals who suffer from fireworks phobias and noise aversion.
Advice on pets and fireworks from the RSPCA:
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