Remember, Remember To Stay Indoors This November – RSPCA Issues Warning On DIY Fireworks Displays

Thursday, 5 November 2020 10:56

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:

Recently Played

Ridin' Solo

Jason Derulo
Download
Training Season

Dua Lipa
Download
Together Again

Janet Jackson
Download

Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
Four rogue traders have been arrested following a series of aggressive and fraudulent interactions on the Isle of Wight.
Rugby Players Set To Scale Great Heights For Teddy
The Ward family have a massive personal mountain to climb – Jess and Dan’s son, Teddy, aged just 22 months, has been diagnosed with the life-limiting condition called mitochondrial disease.
Drug Driving, Domestic Abuse And Stalking Among Arrests Made As Police Target Isle Of Wight Criminals
Policing teams across the Isle of Wight have joined together as part of a high visibility proactive effort to tackle Island criminality.
Work Begins On ‘Monumental’ Mural Project At Historic Columbine Building
APRIL marks the beginning of an ambitious artistic endeavour as muralist Alice Malia, along with a team of eight talented local artists, starts the creation of a large-scale mural on the Columbine Building in East Cowes.

Remember, Remember To Stay Indoors This November – RSPCA Issues Warning On DIY Fireworks Displays

Share

More from Isle of Wight News

Recently Played