Vets lead calls for silent fireworks to be used at New Year celebrations

LEADING vets have called for quieter firework displays this New Year.

Vets Now are urging councils across the UK to follow the example of Edinburgh in considering the use of silent pyrotechnics in displays.

Capital councillors have been looking into the impact of noise from the annual Hogmanay celebrations, following concerns that pets are being traumatised by the bangs and explosions that mark the climax of the world-famous street party.

Amanda Boag, Vets Now’s clinical director, said she would welcome the use of silent or almost silent fireworks at New Year’s celebrations.

She said: “Fireworks now go off throughout the autumn and winter and this causes many pets and their owners a lot of distress.

“At these times we often see pets who have been burnt by fireworks or involved in road traffic accidents after being spooked and running onto the road.

“We welcome Edinburgh council’s plan to commission a report into the impact of noisy fireworks, and we look forward to seeing the results.

“We know one of the options being considered is silent fireworks and this is something we would actively support across the country as it seems to represent a good compromise.”

It’s estimated that around 46% of dogs and 45% of cats are scared of noisy fireworks.

Dogs will typically show fear by trembling, panting or drooling while some will hide, bark or jump on furniture.

Cats might try to run away, cower, or they may even soil the house.

Very few towns or cities in the UK brought in New Year with a fireworks display until the celebrations that marked the start of the new millenium.

Since 2000 their popularity has soared and now councils spend tens of millions of pounds each year on pyrotechnics to light up the sky on Hogmanay.

Ms Boag added: “As a result of their growing popularity, fireworks are now routinely sold in shops from Boxing Day onwards.

“This means the festive season can be just as distressing and frightening a time for our cats and dogs as Bonfire night.

“We would advise that you keep your pets indoors if you know a fireworks display is going to be held in your local area.”

In 2015, councillors in Collecchio, near Parma, passed a law banning the use of noisy fireworks due to their effects on the local pet population.

Disneyland Paris has also agreed to use them following complaints from residents.

Many fireworks manufacturers now produce quiet fireworks, and they insist they are just as visually impressive as their noisy equivalents.

Earlier this year, a petition to restrict the sale of fireworks to reduce stress and fear in pets was signed by more than 100,000 people.