DOGS Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is calling on the Government to review current fireworks legislation to prevent further distress to pets, a call supported by the majority of the UK public.

Ahead of Bonfire Night, the charity is calling for simple changes to help protect dogs from unnecessary suffering and keep communities safe. These changes include limiting the use of fireworks to licensed public events at specific times of year, ensuring people know when to expect them and can make appropriate preparations.

Although Dogs Trust’s call comes because of the charity witnessing the distress caused to pets throughout firework season, the impact of fireworks extends beyond pets and their owners. Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust found that around 1 in 5 people are negatively affected by fireworks. 1 in 5 (21%) respondents said fireworks stopped them from going outside during certain times of the year, and 39% said fireworks keep their household awake at night. Around a 1/3 (29%) said fireworks frighten them or someone else in their household.

Safety is also a major concern, with 65% of the UK public saying that the use of fireworks in residential areas is unsafe.

Of pet owners who said they are negatively impacted by fireworks, a shocking 93% said this is because fireworks cause distress to their pets.

Dog’s Trust’s call for tighter regulations is strongly supported by the public, with almost 2/3 (65%) of people surveyed by YouGov on behalf of the charity saying they would back greater regulation of fireworks, and of those 94% said they would like to see restrictions on the dates and times fireworks can be used.

Dogs Trust is now urging people to write to their MP in support of a review of legislation.

Of the same group, 89% said that they would support fireworks being limited to licensed public displays only, while 77% supported limiting sales to low-noise fireworks for both public and private events.

Over 1/3 (37%) of those who said there should be more regulation on fireworks said they would support an outright ban on fireworks altogether.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:- “Every year, we hear from dog owners who have watched their beloved pets shake with fear or injure themselves while trying to escape the sound of fireworks. Alongside the distress we witness in our rehoming centres across the country, this suffering could be reduced through a few simple measures, such as introducing controls on the dates and times fireworks are permitted. But it’s not just pet owners who are affected. Our research shows many people feel scared to leave their homes around Bonfire Night or are kept awake by the loud bangs. With the majority of the public supporting our call for stronger regulation, the case for change has never been clearer. We urge the Government to listen, not only to the voices of dog owners, but to the wider public who want to see action taken to protect animals, people, and communities.”

For more expert advice on keeping dogs safe and comfortable during firework season, visit this website.