Fireworks are meant to spark delight but instead unexpected displays can become a nightmare for pets and their owners, writes Jess Ward.

This year Kirk Michael resident Linda Huxley is prompting a change towards the festive displays through an animal-friendly campaign.

She is urging people to ’be a good neighbour’ by providing charity ManxSPCA and veterinary practice Arg Beiyn with details about their privately-held firework events so pet owners can find out the area, time and day of the displays.

Linda said: ’Most problems with pets and fireworks come from private displays on unexpected days or at unusual times, when owners are not prepared, for example, exercising the dog or letting out the cat.

’Horse owners, including children, may be feeding or grooming, a vet may be in attendance to a sick animal. The danger to both the scared animals and their handlers is very real.’

Linda’s campaign has stemmed from her own experiences as well as listening to others.

She said: ’A number of years ago my daughter, Sarah, and I were feeding our horses at 6pm on New Year’s Eve. Sarah was in the stable and just closing the door when the first explosion went off.

’Someone locally was holding a massive fireworks display six hours before midnight. Piper went up and tried to jump the stable door while Sarah was still in the doorway.

’I saw his hoof shoot a couple of inches past the back of her head. If that had gone off a couple of seconds earlier, I have no doubt that she would have been severely injured or killed.

’Last year we had a similar display at 9pm which resulted in one of my Shetland ponies being lamed and cutting his face in the time it took me to reach him. I also know that it distressed a number of dogs over a wide area.’

She added that it is impossible for people to keep their animals in for the entire fireworks period, which not only takes place around Bonfire Night but also New Year’s Day, and that sedating animals is also not a feasible solution.

Instead of calling for all private firework displays to be banned, which she admitted would also be impossible, she decided that setting up an initiative where animal owners could access information about times and locations would be effective.

’We are asking anyone intending to set off fireworks, large or small, at any other time to please message Arg Beiyn or the ManxSPCA as far ahead as possible, at least 24 hours before,’ she continued. ’They will post the area and time of the display, but not names or individual addresses.’

Manx National Farmers’ Union secretary Andrew Cooper said: ’I think it’s great idea. It’s always better to know than not knowing so we can be prepared.

’Our biggest concern is if a stray firework goes into a barn with straw inside or people set them off near hay bales.’

He said although the union has not heard of many firework incidents affecting livestock that it would be expensive for farmers and especially horse owners if animals end up injuring themselves after being spooked.

Liam Rice, fundraiser coordinator for the ManxSPCA, said: ’People should really consider their pet’s safety and well-being when it comes to fireworks. We have had many reports of concerned pet owners claiming that their pet had run away due to being scared. We are lucky to have people like Linda Huxley that we can get behind and support.’

The charity has provided top tips to keep pets safe during the displays:

â?¢ Keep dogs and cats inside during fireworks displays;

â?¢ Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start;

â?¢ Close all windows and doors, and block off catflaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum;

â?¢ Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the sounds of TV or radio, switch them on (but not too loudly) in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks;

â?¢ Ensure dogs are wearing some form of easily readable identification - even in the house. They should have at least a collar and tag;

â?¢ Think about fitting pets with a microchip, so if they do run away they have a better chance of being quickly reunited with you;

â?¢ Prepare a ’den’ for your pet to feel safe and comfortable - perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes.

â?¢ Let your pet pace around, whine, meow and hide in a corner if they want to. Do not try to coax them out - it’s just trying to find safety, and should not be disturbed;

â?¢ Stay calm, act normally and give praise for calm behaviour. It’s OK to cuddle and stroke your pet if it helps them relax, but if they prefer to hide under your bed, let them;

â?¢ Avoid leaving your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find it has been destructive or toileted after being left on its own. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make it more stressed;

â?¢ Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop, or leave them in the garden or car;

â?¢ Never take your dog to a fireworks display.

â?¢ Rabbit hutches should be covered with blankets or, better still, be brought into a garage or shed. Livestock should be kept in a stable or barn if possible.

- Liam Rice from the ManxSPCA can be contacted by emailing [email protected]. Arg Beiyn Veterinary Practice has asked firework display organisers to drop into a clinic in Ramsey or Onchan or send them a message rather than call.