Over watching Your Household Pet Shiver in Fear? Now is the Time to Act.
Over 31,000 kiwis and pets have signed the Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sales of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ.
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 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.”
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.**
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.
Information sheet here: Paw Petition: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UgJwlxSbtZ3PV6w9AAccyNsZohZdBYr4?usp=sharing
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
