Fireworks and animals: a little thought can make a big difference
Fireworks have been part of celebrations in Britain for more than 500 years, dating back to grand displays during the Tudor period. From royal festivities to Bonfire Night and modern-day celebrations, they've become a familiar part of how we mark special occasions.
For many people, fireworks are an exciting part of the celebrations. But while we enjoy the colours and spectacle, sudden bangs and bright flashes can be unsettling for some animals.
At Northumberland Zoo, we believe a little consideration and communication can make a big difference. We're not suggesting that people should stop enjoying fireworks. Instead, we'd like to share a few simple ways we can make celebrations a little easier for the animals around us, from our much-loved pets to the wildlife in our gardens and countryside.
Why can fireworks affect animals?
Fireworks can be unpredictable. Sudden loud bangs, flashes of light and unfamiliar smells can cause some animals to become frightened or stressed. While some may barely notice, others can become extremely anxious.
And it's not just a case of one evening around 5 November. Fireworks are used for weddings, private parties and other celebrations throughout the year. In some areas, the fireworks season can stretch from September through to February.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to help animals feel safer and more comfortable.
Helping pets during fireworks season
If you share your home with a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or another small pet, a little preparation can help make fireworks season less stressful.
We've put together some simple tips for helping your pets, from creating a safe hiding place to reducing noise and planning outdoor time.
Helping dogs during fireworks guidance Helping cats during fireworks guidance Helping small pets during fireworks guidance
For some animals, fireworks can be more than a moment of fright. Carolyn Danbury, a clinical director and animal behaviourist at Robson & Prescott Vets, explains:
“Every day I see animals and their caregivers struggling to cope with the terror associated with firework noise, as well as the damaging long-term effects on their welfare.”
Fireworks-related anxiety can affect both animals and the people caring for them, sometimes over an extended period. In some areas, fireworks season can stretch from September through to February, making preparation particularly important.
If your pet struggles with fireworks, don't wait until the noise starts to seek help. Your vet can discuss suitable behaviour support, desensitisation and, where appropriate, medication to help your animal cope.
Don't forget our local wildlife
It's easy to think about our own pets during fireworks season, but wild animals can also be affected by sudden noise and bright flashes. Birds may be disturbed from their roosts, while mammals such as hedgehogs, foxes and badgers may be startled and flee from familiar areas.
There are a few simple ways we can help make our gardens and local spaces more wildlife-friendly:
Provide shelter: Hedgehog houses and suitable outdoor cat shelters can offer protection, while hedges, shrubs, log piles and leaf litter provide natural cover for wildlife.
Take care with bonfires: Bonfire piles can become attractive places for hedgehogs to shelter or hibernate. Build bonfires as close as possible to lighting time and carefully check for wildlife before lighting. If you find an animal, don't light the bonfire, seek advice from a wildlife rescue organisation.
Clear up afterwards: Once firework debris has cooled, collect and dispose of it safely so animals don't become caught up in or investigate discarded materials.
Protect natural habitats: Where possible, avoid setting off fireworks close to woodland, ponds and other places where wildlife may be sheltering.
How can zoos prepare for fireworks?
At Northumberland Zoo, the welfare of our animals is always our priority. While we can't control when fireworks take place nearby, knowing about a planned display in advance gives our animal-care team an opportunity to assess the potential impact and consider whether any additional preparations are appropriate.
Depending on the circumstances, this might include reviewing the needs of particular species, making adjustments to their usual routines or providing additional shelter and places to retreat.
Every animal and situation is different, so the steps taken will depend on the animals involved, the location and the nature of the display.
The CEO of Northumberland Zoo, Maxine Bradley states “Times have changed with the way animals have been kept in captivity with ever-increasing welfare standards, yet the way we celebrate remains pretty old-school. Some care and consideration for our animal companions, who can’t comprehend that fireworks aren’t the end of the world, will go a long way.”
A little notice goes a long way
One of the simplest things display organisers can do is let nearby animal facilities know when fireworks are planned. Zoos, wildlife parks, animal rescue centres, kennels, catteries, veterinary practices, farms and stables may all have animals that could be affected by a nearby display.
A quick phone call or email giving the date, approximate start time and expected duration gives those responsible for animal care time to consider whether any preparations are appropriate.
Celebrating with animals in mind
There are also opportunities to think about the type of celebrations we choose. Lower-noise fireworks can reduce the impact of sudden loud bangs, while drone and light shows offer alternative ways to create a spectacle. Well-publicised, occasional organised displays can also help people and animal-care facilities plan ahead.
Fireworks have been part of our celebrations for centuries, and we know how much people enjoy them. We're simply encouraging everyone to think about the animals who share our homes, gardens and countryside.
A little notice, some thoughtful planning and a few simple changes can all help make fireworks season more manageable for the animals around us.