Pet experts urge Portsmouth owners to back quieter fireworks before Government consultation closes tomorrow
Pet owners in Portsmouth have until tomorrow to have their say on proposed changes to fireworks rules, as animal experts call for stronger protection for frightened dogs and cats.
The Government’s consultation on fireworks and pyrotechnics closes on Wednesday, 7 October, offering owners an opportunity to explain how explosive celebrations affect their animals.
Proposals include reducing the maximum noise level of fireworks available to the public, with louder products reserved for professional users. Respondents can choose between retaining the current 120-decibel limit or lowering it to 110, 100 or 90 decibels.
Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, believes the consultation is an opportunity to put animals’ experiences at the heart of the debate.
He said: “For an animal who is frightened of fireworks, the experience can be overwhelming. They cannot understand why the explosions are happening, how long they will last or whether they are safe.
“We need to stop accepting that this fear is simply something pets and their families must endure every year. Reducing the noise of fireworks would be a welcome step towards more considerate celebrations.
“At Pet Remedy, we encourage owners to support their animals’ emotional wellbeing, but families also need help from the wider community. I would urge anyone whose pet struggles with fireworks to respond to this consultation and explain what life is like in their home when the bangs begin.”
The consultation also seeks views on restricting additional pyrotechnic products considered to carry unacceptable risks and reviewing controls on lower-risk items.
The Government says it wants to preserve celebrations while reducing harm and distress, and is seeking responses from across all four UK nations.
Rachel Bean, a qualified registered veterinary nurse and the UK’s leading canine first aider, said preventing fear should be part of protecting dogs from harm.
She said: “A terrified dog may try desperately to escape, and that can put them in danger. We should be doing everything we can to prevent animals reaching that level of panic.
“I support changes that reduce the impact of fireworks on dogs and make our communities safer and kinder. Owners can prepare their homes and seek professional support, but they cannot control an unexpected explosion outside their window.
“This consultation gives people a chance to explain the consequences beyond the few seconds of a firework going off. If you have spent an evening comforting a shaking dog, your experience deserves to be heard.”
Katie Gwilt, cat expert and owner of holistic cat care business The Kat Lady, urged owners to remember that feline distress can be less obvious.
She said: “Cats often respond to fear by hiding, so their suffering can be easy to overlook. A cat tucked behind a sofa or refusing to come out from under a bed may be feeling deeply unsafe.
“I would welcome stronger protections and quieter fireworks. Cats deserve to feel secure in their own homes, and their wellbeing should be taken seriously when decisions are made about celebrations.
“Please use this opportunity to speak up for your cat. Explain what you notice, how their behaviour changes and what you have to do to help them through it. Animals cannot complete a consultation, but we can make sure their experiences are represented.”
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive at the Royal Kennel Club, said: "The Royal Kennel Club is pleased that progress has been made to reduce the impact that loud fireworks can have on dogs and other animals and that the government is considering action to limit public access to the loudest fireworks.
“We encourage the public to make their experiences and opinions heard, and we would urge anyone whose dog has been affected by fireworks to respond before the consultation closes on Wednesday.
"We have campaigned on this issue for many years as fireworks can be incredibly distressing for dogs, particularly when loud bangs happen unexpectedly and owners are not given the opportunity to prepare.
"We want people to continue enjoying celebrations but believe this can be done in a way that better considers the welfare of dogs and other animals."
The proposals remain subject to consultation and Parliamentary approval. The Department for Business and Trade will consider responses before publishing its proposed actions.
Pet owners can submit their views before the consultation closes on 7 October at: