Over watching Your Household Pet Shiver in Fear? Now is the Time to Act.
As Guy Fawkes approaches, pet owners across Aotearoa once again brace for the distress that fireworks bring to their beloved animals. The loud bangs and flashing lights may be a spectacle for some, but for many animals, they are a source of fear and anxiety that can last well beyond the Guy Fawkes period.
Animates is calling for an end to the private sale and use of fireworks, advocating instead for people to attend controlled public displays to protect pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
The Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sales of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ is now live at https://pawprintpetition.co.nz and is calling on Kiwis to add their voice — and in a unique world first – pets can sign the petition too by adding a pawprint.
The petition will be presented to the House of Representatives, urging the Government to ban the private sale and use of fireworks in New Zealand.
“Each year, our stores and Vet clinics are flooded with stories of stressed-out pets and worried owners,” says Neil Cowie, CEO, Animates. “Fireworks are no longer just a Guy Fawkes problem. Stockpiling leads to fireworks being set off throughout the year, compounding the stress and danger for animals.”
Native birds and other wildlife, horses, and even zoo animals are not immune to the effects of fireworks. Horses often bolt, leading to injuries and death, and native birds can be severely traumatised and abandon their nests. Fireworks also pose a serious risk to stock animals, making this an issue that extends beyond local neighbourhoods.
Every year Kiwis try to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks, and private sales, however sales continue. Last year a survey found that nearly three-quarters of Kiwis were in favour of banning backyard fireworks, however despite the long-term debate on the sale of fireworks, no action was taken by the government .*Now is the time to act.
Angela Mace, owner of Woodlands Dog Retreat, sees the impact firsthand, “Every year, we see dogs shivering in fear or cowering in the corner. Fireworks are terrifying for them, and it’s heartbreaking to watch. We’re urging the public to stand up for our animals and push for a ban on backyard fireworks.”
According to a report in 2019, 74.4% of people noticed their animals displaying fear of fireworks, with common behaviours including hiding (70.8%), shivering (54.3%), and cowering (44.5%). Despite these alarming figures, 71.9% of owners with frightened pets did not seek help or treatment for their animals. Instead, many kept their pets indoors (46%) or provided comfort (28.2%) to alleviate their distress.**
“SPCA has been campaigning for decades for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks. Fireworks cause significant fear and distress to animals, compromising their welfare,” says SPCA Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Arnja Dale. “In addition to these harms, wildlife and other animals are sometimes targeted and injured or abused deliberately with fireworks.”
Help to create a safer, less stressful environment for animals across New Zealand. Sign the world first Pawprint Petition to ban the private sale and use of fireworks here https://pawprintpetition.co.nz, add your name, and if you have a pet add their pawprint, to help bring about change.
The world first Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sale and Use of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ is proudly bought to kiwis and their pets by Animates.
Notes:
*Survey conducted by AA Insurance, in 2023.
**An article published in Veterinary Magazine, update (2019) on owner perceptions and management of the adverse behavioural effects of fireworks on companion animals https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00480169.2019.1638845
