Think of dogs when letting off fireworks (From News Shopper)

Think of dogs when letting off fireworks

10:24am Thursday 20th December 2001 in Letters

Although Guide Dogs wants the New Year to begin with a big bang, we are appealing for sensible use of fireworks to avoid frightening dogs.

The festive season is a time of great joy for many, but for guide dogs and their owners it can be very traumatic.

Whereas partygoers may revel in the loud bangs and explosions, fireworks can be a nightmare for animals.

Many guide dogs are so terrified of the loud noise, they have to be sedated during the festive period.

Some are unable to work for days at a time.

Worse, some are even forced into early retirement and never recover from the trauma of misused fireworks that explode at close range.

Guide dogs occupy a crucial place in the lives of blind or partially sighted people.

Currently nearly 5,000 guide dog owners enjoy the freedom and independence they provide but for many, the use of fireworks throughout the year has become a real problem.

While we would not wish to be party killjoys, we are appealing to everyone who is letting off fireworks to act responsibly and be sensitive to the effect that sudden noises can have on animals.

Geraldine Peacock

Chief Executive

The Guide Dogs for

the Blind Association