UK dog owners call for tougher fireworks legislation in the UK

UK dog owners are calling for a change around firework laws, with over 60% calling for an outright ban on unlicensed fireworks, reveals a recent survey.

Conducted by pet supplement manufacturer Lintbells, the poll of over 2,000 dog owners revealed that 96% believe the laws around fireworks should change and more than 70% of those surveyed even claim the firework season has a negative impact on their families.

It’s common knowledge that fireworks cause distress to many animals, but the question has often been raised – is this a reason to further legislate them?

According to those asked in this survey, there is.

Dog owners across the country revealed they are having to spend a considerable amount of time prepping their pet pooch for the loud bangs and sudden flashes of light on and around 5 November every year.

Nearly 80% of dog owners turn on the TV or radio to help mask the unexpected bangs and crackles that often trigger stress and anxiety in their dogs. Over 75% even go as far as closing the curtains, windows and doors to shelter their pets from the explosions that light up the night sky.

Almost 50% of dog owners create a safe haven for their dogs to escape to during the course of the night, while nearly 25% of them have even tried giving a natural supplement to help soothe their frightened pets.

In support of these findings is the 2018 PDSA PAW Report, where 40% of dog owners (an estimated 3.6 million dogs) say their pets are afraid of fireworks, with 78% saying they should only be licensed on certain days of the year.

Similar research conducted by University of Bristol saw that nearly half of dog owners reported that their pet showed behavioural signs typical of fear when exposed to loud noises such as fireworks.

Emma Richardson, Brand Manager at Lintbells, said: “It’s not just dogs that are affected by fireworks.

“The loud noises, bangs, crackles and burning smell that fireworks produce can startle cats, farm animals and wildlife who may accidentally hurt themselves. The waste that’s left behind including the sharp plastic, tubes and sticks pointing out of the ground can also affect local animals and wildlife.

“These statistics from our recent customer survey are therefore not surprising.”

Dr Emily Blackwell, renowned Clinical Animal Behaviourist at the University of Bristol, has highlighted the dangers of fireworks phobia for pet owners: “The findings suggest that the sudden loud noises made by fireworks are a significant welfare concern.

“I therefore support calls by the British Veterinary Association and RSPCA for further measures to protect dogs and other pets from the distress caused by fireworks, by lowering the current noise limit for fireworks sold to the general public.”