Think animal safety on Bonfire Night

Published on 23/10/2012 12:00

ANIMAL welfare chiefs have warned residents across the Lothians that fireworks can have a serious impact on the welfare of domestic, farm and wild animals.

The Scottish SPCA is also urging anyone holding fireworks displays to be careful and help animals avoid coming to harm.

Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The current legal noise limit for a firework is 120 decibels. People are advised to wear ear protectors when exposed to anything above 80 decibels. A dog’s hearing is twice as sensitive as a human’s and a cat’s three times, which means the sudden bang from a firework can be terrifying and cause extreme distress.

“Anyone holding a display should warn their neighbours in advance so they can make provisions for their pets. Dogs and cats often flee at the sound of fireworks and this can result in them being injured or even killed in road traffic accidents.

“The noise can also cause panic in livestock and horses, which can lead to injury if they try and bolt through fences. We are also advising people to check bonfires before they are lit for hibernating animals.”