2 days Ago By Newsdesk
THE government’s animal health and welfare team has issued advice for owners of pets after Islanders raised concerns about the distress caused by fireworks displays. Commenting ahead of New Year’s Eve, the team said: “Loud and high-pitched noises such as fireworks can cause stress or fear responses across a range of species, including companion animals, wildlife, horses and livestock. “There are a number of steps animal owners can take to try to minimise any potential distress, including housing the animals, closing windows, doors and cat flaps.
” The team, based in the Infrastructure and Environment Department, explained that owners could help their pets by providing a “den” made from their clothes or switching on the TV or radio at a high volume. The advice follows recent calls from local pet owners for restrictions on the use and noise levels of fireworks to be implemented in Jersey. One dog owner, JJ Gallagher, who helps find lost dogs with his pet Sammie as part of the Lost Dogs in Jersey forum, previously told the JEP that this year he had seen the “worst” use of fireworks in a decade of living in the Island.
Sammie the dog during firework displays around Bonfire Night. A vet, meanwhile, has said that dogs sensitive to noise were getting “more anxious year on year” as a result of frequent firework displays. Ruth Guegan, from All Pets Veterinary Services, in St Peter, told the JEP that they were seeing clients coming into the practice “complaining that the fireworks have not just been on an isolated day – it’s been going on for a week, ten days”.
The government team added that pets shouldn’t be left at home alone during firework displays and owners should “try to stay calm and act normally”. The advice also included allowing nervous pets to “pace around” and hide, as this is a way for them to find their own safety. Fireworks displays should not take place near groups of animals, the government added, and neighbours, including farmers and stable owners, should be informed of any planned displays.
Those planning to use fireworks should also “consider” buying quieter rockets, the team added..
