Concerned pet owners in Cumbria have slammed the private use of fireworks which saw several dogs lost and one dead in the days before and after Bonfire Night.
Guy Fawkes night has been celebrated in the United Kingdom for over 400 years now, but concerns have been rife for how the celebrations can affect our pets.
The loud bangs, smells and flashes of light can be extremely distressing for dogs in particular, with a number of four-legged friends in Carlisle fleeing their homes after being frightened by the celebrations.
No one can bemoan the use of fireworks one or two nights a year but the reality for pet owners is that they have to be wary of these loud bangs and flashes for a significantly longer period.
A quick look at lost and found dog pages in Cumbria shows just how many owners had to turn to social media for help after their dogs bolted due to fireworks, with some still to be found.
One post read: "My poor little dogs have been shaking, curled up on the sofa with me, while some inconsiderate idiots across the street set rocket fireworks off. If you want fireworks go to a fire show."
Steven Shaw, who's lurcher fled during the fireworks on November 5 before fortunately being found, said:
"I don't believe that actual organised events should be banned, at least you know when they will take place and you have time to make any preparations or plans for your pets. It's the random setting off of privately purchased fireworks that are the main issue, sometimes more than a week or so before November 5. This can unexpectedly terrify pets when out walking or simply when they are in their own garden.
"There could maybe be a restriction on selling fireworks before a certain date, so at least you know you only have to make allowances for a few days. If you want to purchase at any other time you should have to apply for some kind of license and have good reason to purchase. We are actually talking about explosives that can case serious harm after all."
Oak Tree Animals Charity also shared a post confirming that a dog sadly died in Carlisle on October 28, more than a week before Bonfire Night, after being spooked by a firework and running away, before being hit by a car.
Caroline Yon, head of animal welfare at the charity, said:
"Fireworks are a particularly challenging problem for all companion animal owners. This challenge is an increasing one as the use of fireworks is not limited to one or two specific nights a year but can be heard almost nightly once on sale.
"For dog owners this is extremely problematic as it is difficult to choose appropriate times to go for walks. Whilst we encourage owners to work on desensitising their animals to the loud bangs, this takes time and needs to be regularly reinforced but even so it will not work in every case.
"However, it is not just bangs but whistles, bright lights and shockwaves or vibrations. Some dogs refuse to leave the home and will cower in corners. Some panic and will go to extraordinary lengths to escape including tearing at door frames and causing extensive damage. In the worst cases, as happens far too often, a panicking dog will get free from its owner and run blindly onto the road.
"In all cases the fear and anxiety felt by these dogs can have lasting consequences to their physical and mental wellbeing. As animal welfare professionals, we urge people to only purchase low noise fireworks, warn neighbours before setting them off, limit use to specific holidays or to simply attend planned community events."
Former MP for Penrith Dr Neil Hudson has been an advocate for animal welfare regarding the misuse of fireworks for some time, speaking in parliament regarding the issue in 2022.
Sadly, not much has changed in the two years since, and he recently held an event to raise awareness amongst parliamentarians and look to amend fireworks legislation.
He said: "As a Veterinary Surgeon, I know more than most just how harmful fireworks can be to both kept and wild animals alike. Sadly the panic and distress it causes pets leads to detrimental health outcomes and even for them to go missing. Moreover, horses, cows, sheep and other animals in fields can startle and flee leading to injuries."
Meanwhile, a Lincolnshire woman will visit Downing Street later this week to deliver a million-strong petition backed by the RSPCA, calling for tighter regulations on fireworks.
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