I am pleased to share the press release, which can be read below. As a pet owner, l fully support it!
On social media this morning, there was footage of kids in Birmingham aiming fireworks in a broadside action against a passing double-decker bus! Using them as weapons.
Bring on silent fireworks, and for organised displays only. That’s my opinion anyway.
Read on, as l have added a reply to a letter l sent to Bath MP Wera Hobhouse in support of a national campaign to get the explosive power of fireworks reduced.
Here’s the release.
Two-thirds (66%) of pet owners are concerned about back garden firework displays distressing their pets, according to a 2024 RSPCA impact survey.
This fireworks season, three of the largest local animal rescue charities, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre and Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, unite to urge local people to keep pet welfare in mind on and around Bonfire Night.
On average, the RSPCA receives around 400 calls a year relating to fireworks in England and Wales. Animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, is calling for stronger laws on the use of fireworks and encouraging the public to consider attending organised fireworks displays.
Nicola Charman, Training and Behaviour Manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, said: “Sadly, many cats and dogs are stressed by fireworks due to their wide hearing range and sensitivity to loud noises. Pets struggle with the unpredictability of the noise and not knowing where and when the fireworks will occur.
On Bonfire Night, give your pets somewhere quiet to retreat to, like a covered crate and add clothing or a favourite blanket with a familiar scent to reduce stress. You can also use calming plug-ins or sprays and music to help promote a calm, safe environment.”
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre’s Animal Home Manager, Jodie Hayward, added: “Most pet owners have sadly seen the effects of fireworks on animals and every year, we see terrified pets shaking, hiding, or even running away. The noise doesn’t just frighten them; it can cause lasting trauma.”
Sam Herniman, Individual Giving Fundraiser at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, said: “We know how distressing fireworks season can be for many animals. We help the cats and dogs in our care feel calm and secure by creating quiet spaces, using pheromone diffusers, and playing soothing music to reduce anxiety. We encourage pet owners to do the same at home. Together, we can quieten the noise and make this season less stressful for all animals.”
Pet owners can help keep their pets safe and well this fireworks season by keeping pets indoors and providing safe areas to hide.
Walk dogs early before the fireworks begin, and go with them into the garden if they need to go outside.
If possible, make sure your pet isn’t left alone and play relaxing music to distract them from loud fireworks.
Play a game with your pet to keep them busy or distract them with a treat. Don’t tempt your cat or dog out of a hiding spot; let them stay inside until they’re ready to leave.
Pet owners can look out for signs of stress in their pets during fireworks season to check if they need extra support. Anxiety in dogs is shown by shivering and trembling, barking, hiding, clinginess, pacing, crying or panting.
Cats show stress by hiding, refusing food, restless behaviour or fearful body language like wide eyes, flattened ears, taut posture or arched back.
Staying close and offering your pet reassurance during Bonfire Night will help to reduce their anxiety.
For more advice on pet welfare this firework season, visit Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s blog at
Fireworks prep | Bath Cats & Dogs Home
Or sign the RSPCA’s petition at Help us change fireworks laws to protect animals – RSPCA – rspca.org.uk
PS. Let’s speak up for wildlife too!!
Here’s the reply I received from our Bath MP.
Dear Richard,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write to me regarding the impact of fireworks on animals and the local community.
I share your concern for the welfare of animals, the distress caused by fireworks, not only to pets but also to vulnerable people, is something that deserves careful consideration.
The Liberal Democrats have long supported existing measures aimed at minimising disruption caused by fireworks. While we recognise the distress that extremely loud fireworks can cause, both to animals and to individuals with mental health challenges, such as PTSD, we do not support further restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks.
We believe that pets are the responsibility of their owners, and that managing this issue through additional legislation would be difficult to enforce and could unfairly restrict a legal activity.
That said, we are open to sensible measures that limit the maximum noise levels of fireworks sold to the public, especially for private displays, as this could reduce the harm caused without imposing blanket restrictions.
Thank you again for raising this important issue. I hope this information is of use to you.
With best wishes,
Wera Hobhouse
Member of Parliament for Bath
I am a lover of cats but I am also a lover of pyrotechnics. There are plently of things that scare Cats and Dogs including Cats and Dogs themselves, are we to ban everything that does???. Anyone who knows the slightest things about fireworks should know there can be no such thing as silent fireworks. Keep your animals inside if they are that frightened as its only for a short period once a year.
Entitled to your opinion as l am to mine.