Star of Call the Midwife and Rosemary & Thyme Pam Ferris is joining national pet charity Blue Cross in urging people to avoid letting off fireworks this Bonfire Night due to the distress it causes animals.
The charity believes a lot of people will be celebrating Bonfire night by letting off fireworks in their back gardens, with reduced restrictions following lockdowns although some public events are cancelled around the country amid coronavirus concerns.
But research conducted by the charity shows just how stressful loud fireworks can be for pets who can be utterly terrified by the banging noises.
A survey of 2,000 people found 70% of dog and cat owners were concerned for their pet’s welfare during firework season.
READ MORE: How to look after your dog during fireworks on Bonfire Night
40% of respondents described how their pets visibly shake in reaction to fireworks being set off, while 36% said their pets bark or cry when they hear fireworks.
Some 29% even said they had had to seek specialist animal behaviourist advice to help their pet get through the season.
Further research by Blue Cross found 45% of pet owners said that the unexpected bangs and noises left their pet hiding away for hours, with 21% saying their pets were left scared to go outdoors for days after the fireworks.
Sadly, some reported their pets had been physically harmed by fireworks (6%), with some owners being forced to move to a new house (9%) or sadly rehome their pets (7%) due to the distress caused by the flashes and loud bangs.
Pam Ferris, who is famous for her roles in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and The Darling Buds of May said: “As a lifelong lover of dogs I know how awful it can be for owners to witness their suffering with fear and shaking and showing extreme stress during fireworks season.”
The actress, who has two dogs herself, Stan and Elsie, said: “I stand beside Blue Cross in calling for residents to consider their neighbours with pets and think twice before planning a fireworks evening in their garden.”
Blue Cross is also calling on the government to recognise the significant impact fireworks have on our nation’s animals and wants further restrictions on their sale and use across the UK.
READ MORE: Take part in our survey to see if fireworks should be banned from sale
Becky Thwaites, head of public affairs at Blue Cross, said: “The sudden loud bangs and flashes from fireworks can cause distress and confusion for animals and people.
“It’s great news that Sainsbury’s is continuing not to sell fireworks this year and we would urge other stores to follow suit.
“Blue Cross would like to see further restrictions around the sale of fireworks, limiting them to licensed, public occasions and organised events only.
“The charity also recommends that local authorities should take the location of public displays into consideration when granting them a licence and require that they are well publicised in the surrounding area.”
Blue Cross advises owners to:
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Walk dogs during daylight hours before the fireworks start
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Keep dogs indoors when fireworks are being set off
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Close curtains and blinds and turn the TV or radio on to help muffle the noise
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Speak to vets about products which contain a ‘dog appeasing pheromone’ which may help to soothe dogs
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Let pets pace, whine or hide away in a space where they feel safe or if they come to you for comfort then cuddle and stroke your pet
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Stay calm, act normal and give lots of praise for calm behaviour
For more advice on how to keep your dog safe and calm this fireworks season visit the Blue Cross website .
