The SPCA said it’s “disheartened” after receiving several animal welfare calls during Guy Fawkes festivities on Sunday night.
Prior to Sunday night’s festivities, the animal protection agency used fresh calls for Kiwis to stop using fireworks and “take a stand for animal welfare”.
Guy Fawkes can be a stressful time for pet and animal owners – with the loud bangs and bright flashes from fireworks causing “severe distress” for pets, farm animals and native bird populations.
In a statement to 1News, SPCA general manager of animal services Corey Regnerus-Kell said that while they hadn’t received any calls about deliberate cruelty or injuries over the weekend, there were still a number of incidents where animals found themselves distressed
He said they received several calls about incidents where “animals, such as dogs, have been left tethered in close proximity to fireworks being let off”.
“This is unacceptable and can be highly distressing for the animal, especially if they’re unable to leave the area due to being tied up or created.”
Regnerus-Kell also said it was “disheartening” to see “social posts about terrified animals running through the streets.”
He went on to call for a “broader recognition that these celebratory events for people are actually highly stressful and uncomfortable experiences for the Animals of New Zealand”.
He said the “reoccurrence of these traumatic events” was no surprise to SPCA staff, who deal with the same issues every year.
“We believe the only way to minimise harm from fireworks to all animals – wildlife included – is to ban the private sale and use of fireworks.
“We continue to advocate for this much-needed change,” he said.
Rehnerus-Kell encouraged pet owners to “remain vigilant” as fireworks continued to be set off in the weeks following Guy Fawkes.
“Just because the 5th of November has passed, this does not mean the dangers or risks of fireworks are over for pet owners.
“We know every year, despite awareness campaigns, members of the public continue letting off fireworks in the coming days – perhaps even months– we encourage all pet and animal owners to remain vigilant.”
Christchurch City Council say they received 35 reports of dogs being found during the weekend – which is a reduction from the 59 reports last year.
We were very pleased with few impounds over the Guy Fawkes weekend. Dog owners ensured that their dogs were secure,” animal services manager Lionel Bridger said.
In Wellington, the council said there were “no major incidents to report”, but encouraged pet owners to follow their guidelines on how to keep animals safe around fireworks.
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