As fireworks season approaches, The Kennel Club has released statistics showing a substantial increase in dogs reported missing during previous firework displays.
During last year’s fireworks season, covering Bonfire Night and Diwali, there was an 81% increase in missing dogs, a troubling figure that highlights the stress and behavioural impacts of fireworks on pets.
With this season’s Diwali festivities set to begin on 31 October and Bonfire Night shortly after on 5 November, The Kennel Club’s data suggests many dogs may be at risk of distress and flight. According to a recent survey, four in five dog owners (80%) notice significant behavioural changes in their dogs during fireworks, a clear indicator of stress. Signs commonly include excessive barking, trembling, hiding, and howling. The Kennel Club also reports that three in five (60%) owners are in favour of government intervention to reduce the harm caused by fireworks on pets, with a third of surveyed dog owners stating their pets are “terrified” by fireworks.
Public Calls for Stricter Fireworks Legislation
A significant portion of dog owners support a ban on fireworks or stricter regulations if the government does not take steps to address these effects on pets. The Kennel Club’s survey results show that 30% of owners believe their dogs are “terrified” of fireworks, 40% state that their pets are “scared,” and 52% report their dogs are “anxious” during firework displays.
Petlog, The Kennel Club’s lost-and-found pet database, noted a marked increase in dogs reported missing during the two weeks encompassing Bonfire Night and Diwali in November 2023, with over 81% more missing pets than in the previous fortnight. According to The Kennel Club, the unfamiliar noises, vibrations, and lights associated with fireworks can trigger severe fear responses, prompting some dogs to flee, with more than one in ten dog owners (13%) reporting that their pet had attempted to escape.
In response, The Kennel Club, alongside various welfare groups, is urging government officials to consider legislation that restricts fireworks to licensed events, lowers the maximum allowable decibel limit, and introduces penalties for fireworks misuse. This legislative appeal will be part of an event in Parliament this week, where MPs and decision-makers are expected to review these recommendations.
Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, explains that the unpredictable nature of fireworks adds to the distress pets experience. “If owners can anticipate fireworks, they can manage their pet’s distress in a way that works for their dog, and we’re asking Government to recognise this and review legislation to better control their use,” McNamara states. Alongside these calls for policy change, McNamara recommends that dog owners take preventative steps to help keep pets calm and safe.
Guidance for Dog Owners During Fireworks Season
To assist dog owners, The Kennel Club has created a calming Spotify playlist designed to familiarise pets with loud noises in a gradual, controlled manner. This should be played at a low volume initially, with volume gradually increased. However, McNamara cautions owners to observe their pet’s response, stopping immediately if signs of distress appear, and seeking guidance from a qualified trainer if needed.
Additional tips from The Kennel Club for managing dogs’ reactions to fireworks include preparing a designated “safe space” in the home filled with familiar toys and blankets, closing windows and curtains, and using background noise such as the television or household appliances to drown out the sound of fireworks. Owners should also maintain updated microchip information, which can aid in reuniting owners with pets should they escape during fireworks season.
In addition, The Kennel Club recommends that owners try to keep their demeanour calm and normal, as dogs can pick up on changes in behaviour, potentially amplifying their anxiety. It may also help to exercise dogs during daylight hours to avoid exposure to unexpected fireworks.
With the launch of their legislative appeal, The Kennel Club hopes that the government will consider stricter regulations on fireworks usage to protect vulnerable pets. In their recommendations, they suggest that fireworks be restricted to controlled, licensed events only, with a cap on decibel levels to minimise distress to pets and other animals.
