Protect Your Animals

Although fireworks are fun for us, they are not fun for animals. Most animals get very scared by the lights and noise, so you should take precautions to protect your pets during the times of the year when fireworks are likely to be set off.

The animal charity Blue Cross says that the best thing you can do is to keep your pets indoors. This includes bringing in pets that are normally kept outside, such as rabbits or guinea pigs.

Close all of your windows and doors and try to drown out the noise as much as possible. And make sure that cats and dogs have name tags on them in case the noise scares them and they run off.

Blue Cross has a leaflet with more detailed advice on keeping your pets safe from fireworks.

Penalties

Under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals. The penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000 or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate.

Firework curfew

Recent changes to the law mean that fireworks can't be set off between 11pm and 7am (apart from on 5 November, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali, when the curfew is later). Hopefully, this curfew will keep to a minimum the times when animals and people are disturbed by fireworks.