New research by Blue Cross reveals that 60% of UK pets are fearful of fireworks, but over half the nation are likely to attend an ‘at home’ fireworks display this year

• Dozens of local authorities across the country are axing public firework events, increasing concerns that people will be setting off fireworks in their own gardens.
• This is cause for concern, after new research by Blue Cross has revealed that three in five (60%) pet owners say that their pets are negatively affected by fireworks – the most common reactions to fireworks in UK pets including shaking, panting, and bolting.
• Almost two thirds of pet owners (62%) believe there should be a ban on fireworks in residential gardens, and well over half (58%) think they should no longer be sold in supermarkets.
• Over a third (36%) of the public admit that don’t tell neighbours when they are going to let fireworks off.
• Blue Cross has launched ‘Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part’ – a campaign urging people re-think their plans to host or attend at-home fireworks displays, to protect the health of the nation’s pets.

Thursday 27th October 2022: New research* commissioned by leading pet charity, Blue Cross, has found that three in five (60%) pets living in the UK react negatively to the sound of fireworks. With councils across London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Dundee, Glasgow, and Cardiff axing their public firework events due to the cost-of-living crisis, Blue Cross fear a spike in private ‘at home’ displays this year – putting the health of our pets at risk. 

In response, Blue Cross has launched Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part – a campaign urging the British public to re-think their plans to host or attend at-home fireworks displays this year, to help protect the health of our much-loved pets.

As part of its new consumer research – which surveyed both pet owners and members of the public across the UK – Blue Cross quizzed pet owners on the impact that fireworks can have on their beloved companions. Concerningly, well over half (57%) of respondents said that their pets shake when they hear fireworks nearby, and two in five (30%) pets are prone to panting. Further to this, more than a quarter of pets have been known to bolt in reaction to firework bangs, putting them at risk of injury or going missing.

Further to this, the research revealed that over three fifths (62%) of pet owners would support a ban on private fireworks displays in people’s gardens, and well over half (58%) believe that supermarkets shouldn’t be permitted to sell fireworks.

Despite the negative impact that fireworks have on pets across the country, Blue Cross’ research indicates a busy season of fireworks ahead. 

After surveying members of the general public, the charity has found that over half (56%) the nation are likely to attend an ‘at home’ firework display this year – either at their own home, or at the home of a friend of family members. 

Concerningly, over a third (36%) of public respondents also admitted that they fail to give their neighbours advance warning when letting off fireworks in their gardens at home – meaning neighbouring pet owners don’t have time to sufficiently prepare. (Blue Cross’ research shows that a large majority 80% of pet owners agree that neighbours should notify each other of fireworks displays in their gardens.)

Caroline Reay, Head of Veterinary at Blue Cross says: “This new research reveals the extent to which pets are upset by fireworks – which is why Blue Cross is launching their Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part campaign. 

Frustratingly, budget cuts will mean fewer public events to attend and consequently, a rise in at-home fireworks – so if you, or someone you know is planning a DIY firework display we strongly urge you to re-think your plans to prevent pets in your neighbourhood becoming distressed.”

Becky Skyrme, Animal Behaviourist at Blue Cross says: “If you’ve ever seen your pet react negatively to the sound of fireworks, you will know just how upsetting it can be. From hamsters to horses, many owners struggle to keep their pets calm when fireworks are let off nearby – especially due to their heightened sense of hearing. 

If people must let off fireworks at home – we strongly urge them to buy silent or low noise fireworks, and let as many neighbours know as possible ahead of time, especially if you know they have a pet, so they can take measures to prepare, such as creating a sound-dampening ‘den’ for their pet to hide in (if they live indoors) and purchasing calming pheromone plug-ins.

If the pet lives outside in a hutch or cage, you may want to consider bringing them inside for the evening – providing there are no other pets indoors that could also cause distress – so they are further away from the direct noise of neighbouring fireworks.”

To mark the launch of the Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part campaign, Blue Cross is launching a giant EGC monitor on London’s Southbank on Thursday 27th October. The EGC installation will mimic the increasing heart rate of a pet when they hear the sound of fireworks exploding, to raise awareness of the physical and mental stress that fireworks can cause pets to passers-by.

The campaign also has the backing of reality TV favourite Bobby Norris of The Only Way Is Essex, whose dog Baby, a chihuahua-Yorkie crossbreed, is severely affected by the sound of fireworks. On supporting the campaign, Bobby says: Baby has always really struggled with the sound of fireworks, and I know there are plenty of other pets out there that are absolutely terrified of them. That’s why I was so quick to offer my support in raising awareness of Blue Cross’ campaign. Please think of our animal companions and don’t use at-home fireworks, they are unnecessary and put our pets in extreme mental and physical distress.”

For more information on Blue Cross’ Have A Heart, Don’t Take Part campaign and to get advice on how to protect your pets from fireworks visithttps://www.bluecross.org.uk/HaveAHeart