Two-thirds of pet owners calling for restrictions on fireworks

British pet owners are calling on the government to enforce restrictions on private firework displays as new figures indicate that more than two thirds of pets are petrified of the loud noises heard throughout the first week of November (70%).

The survey, from leading healthy pet food company Burns Pet Nutrition, reveals that Fireworks are the most common cause of distress amongst pets throughout the year. Whilst noisy traffic, deliveries to the home and being left alone can also lead to stress, 50% of pet owners have revealed that fireworks is the biggest factor to causing stress across the calendar year.

The survey goes on to reveal that Britain’s pets are visibly shaken by the distressing loud bangs that can last across several evenings in early November. Over a third of pet owners have claimed that their furry friends are panic stricken with clear signs of distress and erratic behaviour, with many animals hiding away throughout the night.

70% of those polled revealed that they would be in favour of the restriction on fireworks to specific days and times so that they can prepare their pets before the noisy displays begin. A further 40% confirmed that they would see fireworks displays banned altogether. 

Of those with distressed pets during Bonfire Night, two thirds of them will tend to hide away whilst the displays take place, with 35% claiming that their pets will remain stressed for the remainder of the evening, meaning a huge percentage of the UK’s pet population are hidden away across the week, each evening.

Founder of Burns Pet Nutrition, John Burns MBE has pointed to European countries like Sweden, where fireworks are either banned outright or limited to professional displays, as a potential model to emulate.

Mr Burns commented: “In several European nations, the use of fireworks is restricted to organized, professional displays only with some countries having gone even further, embracing the concept of silent fireworks, designed to minimize noise pollution and reduce stress on animals.”

Silent fireworks use muted colours and visual effects, eliminating the deafening cracks and booms associated with traditional displays.

Mr Burns continued: “The explosive nature of conventional fireworks is particularly unfair to cats and dogs, whose acute hearing makes them especially sensitive to loud noises. The distress caused by fireworks can lead to anxiety, fear, and even injuries as pets attempt to escape the frightening sounds.”

For further Information, please head to – http://burnspet.co.uk/