Former Mayor renews calls to ban fireworks as vets urge owners to minimise seasonal fireworks trauma for pets

Former Rochdale Mayor Ian Duckworth has renewed calls to ban all fireworks except for licenced displays, as vets have warned may be an increase in unregulated backyard fireworks this year due to the pandemic.

The Mayor of Rochdale between 2017 and 2018, Mr Duckworth has previously called for the sale of fireworks to be limited as Bonfire Night and firework celebrations can be some of the most stressful times for pets and veterans with post-traumatic stress. Last year, he wrote to Greater Manchester Metro Mayor Andy Burnham about restricting their use to public displays.
 

Read more: Former Mayor Ian Duckworth would welcome firework banPublished: 28 October 2019

Now, following a recent spate of antisocial behaviour involving fireworks near his home, former soldier Mr Duckworth says the ‘only solution’ is a general ban.

He told Rochdale Online: “The only solution is for a general ban, as I always say.

“The fireworks are set off even when it is pouring with rain, so it is not for entertainment, but to cause annoyance and distress to others. My dog is terrified. The explosions are so loud I would describe them as airbursts. They are still going off every night but it's impossible to pin down where they are coming from. They are so randomly spaced, it's hard to track them down.

“It is a human right to enjoy the peace of one’s home. I am certain this is a statutory nuisance as this is at all hours of the day or night. Every autumn it becomes intolerable.

I still believe we should ban all fireworks except for licensed displays and will continue to campaign over their sale to the public.”

Mr Duckworth has reported the incidents to Rochdale Council’s Environmental Management.

Due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, this year's public displays will not take place as enforcing social distancing would be extremely difficult because of how popular the events are.
 

Read more: Council bonfire and fireworks displays cancelled for 2020 due to coronavirusPublished: 25 September 2020

With limited official displays this year, vets say they are especially concerned there may be an increase in unregulated backyard fireworks.

As a result, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners and livestock keepers who are worried about their animals’ welfare to take steps now to avoid possible injury and distress during traditional fireworks dates such as Bonfire Night, Halloween, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.

Many animals have more acute hearing than humans, so the loud bangs and whistles - which at 150 decibels can be as loud as the noise from a jet engine - can cause significant distress and fear and lead to the development of phobia responses.

Vets see first-hand the impact of firework-related distress in pets, livestock and horses at this time of the year. In a survey conducted by BVA in 2018, around one in 14 vets across the country reported seeing animals with firework-related injuries over the previous year, with equine vets significantly more likely to report such cases (19%). By far the most commonly reported cases were self-injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, such as fractures in horses that had bolted from their fields or tooth injuries to dogs from chewing furniture.

 

 

The negative impact isn’t restricted to noise levels - the debris and remnants of fireworks and paper lanterns in fields and surrounding countryside can also pose a serious risk of injury to livestock, wildlife and zoo animals.

BVA Senior Vice President Daniella Dos Santos said: “The loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks can be extremely traumatic for animals, from dogs, cats and rabbits to livestock, horses, wildlife and zoo animals. While Covid-19 restrictions may lead to the cancellation of official displays, we are worried about a rise in the number of backyard celebrations.

“We’d encourage pet owners and livestock keepers to consult with their vet as far in advance as possible to discuss management and treatment options, which may include noise desensitisation techniques, applying pheromone products around the house, and preparing a ‘safe place’ for animals.

“With professional input and owner commitment and patience, a phobia of fireworks can be effectively treated with appropriate behaviour-modification techniques. In more severe cases, vets may also prescribe medications to help pets struggling with fireworks distress.

“Even if you don’t expect your pet to be anxious please consider staying close at hand on the noisiest evenings, providing background noise when fireworks are going off and, most importantly, staying calm yourself so your animal is reassured.”

Signs of fireworks-related distress can vary from animal to animal. While some pets show obvious signs of fireworks-related anxiety, such as barking, panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house. Cats often hide, while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet.

Cows or sheep who are startled by the loud noises from fireworks are at risk of injuring themselves on fencing, farm equipment or fixtures and fittings within their housing. Poultry are especially at risk of ‘smother’, where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some. Horses and ponies are prey animals and exhibit ‘flight’ responses in response to any threat, which can result in running away or trying to escape their enclosures.

BVA has issued the following top tips to keep animals safe:

If your pet gets distressed by fireworks or other noises, contact your local vet to discuss treatment options. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ bed and around the house to keep them calm.

Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.

Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home.

Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors.

Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks.

If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself – trying to reassure your pet can inadvertently reinforce anxious behaviour. Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them.

Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out.

Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.

If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.

Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it.

For more information, see:

• www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/fireworks-and-animal-welfare/

Report a noise complaint

You can report the antisocial use of fireworks as noise nuisance, which will be addressed as any other noise complaint:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/pests-pollution-and-food/Pages/noise-nuisance.aspx