Tonight there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks for New Year’s Eve and while it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.
Fireworks. File photo.
When it comes to fireworks, pets can get into situations in which they panic, or even become injured.
RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty says It’s likely that scores of animals will end up at our shelters or council pounds.
“The sad part is that it’s easily preventable. Despite the warnings many people still don’t seem to understand the devastating effect fireworks can have on some animals. Often they will panic and end up on the road where of course they run the risk of being hit by cars. Sometimes they’re found kilometres from their homes.”
All pet owners are advised to make certain that their pets are in a secure environment and one that they feel comfortable with. Ideally they should be kept inside the house and if this isn’t possible then inside the garage or somewhere where they feel at ease and know well.
Mr Beatty says,
“We also urge people to make certain their pets have up to date identification on them. It’s very hard to reunite pets with their owners if they don’t have identification that includes the owners’ telephone numbers. Ideally they should also be microchipped. We also recommend that horses should be securely stabled or removed to a location away from the fireworks.”
In summary:
- Keep dogs and cats indoors
- Put them in a quiet, interior room.
- Skip celebrations and stay home to make sure they’re okay.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped, and triple check to be sure your pet is wearing proper identification with your current information in the event they get away from your house or yard.
