Prevent pet fatality and fear this fireworks night

01/11/2007

The Blue Cross, Britain's Pet Charity, is today warning that the onset of the firework season will mean misery for Britain’s pets. Some animals can become so distressed that they develop phobias, which may lead to severe behavioural problems. Others may put themselves at risk by trying to escape the frightening flashes and bangs - bolting with fear into busy roads or jumping from dangerous heights.

Yvette Hughes from Essex owns Teddy, a nine-year-old Labrador cross who is terrified of fireworks. Yvette said: "Teddy is horrendous when there are fireworks. He bolts at the first sign of firework noise and gets so frightened he shakes uncontrollably. His fear of fireworks has made him scared of other noises too, like a motor bike backfiring, which he thinks is the start of fireworks and makes him really stressed."

Caroline Reay, Blue Cross chief veterinary surgeon said: "While fireworks are fun for humans they are more like a war zone for pets. Many animals are extremely afraid of fireworks and can take terrifying risks to escape the sudden, scary atmosphere they find themselves in. If allowed outside, pets could charge out into oncoming traffic and if hit by a car their injuries can be fatal. If homes are left unsecured, pets could flee through an open window and receive a nasty break or fracture if they jump from upper levels."

To minimise the annual suffering of many pets, The Blue Cross is offering some essential advice on how to keep pets calm and safe over the coming noisy nights:

· Keep all dogs and cats indoors when fireworks are expected

· Bring rabbits or small animal hutches inside, or make sure the hutch is turned to face the wall instead of an open garden

· Ensure your pets are wearing ID tags and are microchipped in case they do manage to escape

· Never shout at your pet if he is frightened, this will only make him more stressed

· Praise pets when they are calm

The Blue Cross employs a team of animal behaviourists to help them understand the reactions of pets that come into adoption centres, and their individual needs. Animals are carefully matched to new homes, where ongoing support is offered to help the new owners understand their pet. Julie Bedford, Blue Cross animal behaviourist said: "The flashes and bangs of fireworks create a massive change to an animal's usual environment, which can be deeply unsettling and scary. They will often try to find somewhere to hide and feel secure. But when owners see their pet's distress they may instinctively cuddle and comfort them, which is actually the worst thing they can do. It will stress animals out even more because they will think that their owners are worried too! The best thing people can do at this time of year is to keep their pet secure, let them settle in a chosen den and stay normal to reassure them that all is well."

The Blue Cross produces a Fireworks & Pets advice leaflet which is available to download free from www.bluecross.org.uk. It can also be picked up in firework packs, many national supermarkets or from any Blue Cross animal adoption centre or hospital.

Listen to more of Julie Bedford’s advice on a special 'petcast' available from 1 November 2007 at www.bluecross.org.uk/petcasts.

-ends-

Notes to editors

· Images available on request.

· The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Media contact
The Blue Cross: Louise Lee on 020 7932 4066 / 07880 781637 (out of hours) or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk