Fireworks
The Firework Regulations 2004 prohibit:
- anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks
- anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks
- the use of fireworks from 11pm to 7am with extensions for the following festivals:
- First day of Chinese New Year until 1am the following day
- On the day of Diwali until 1am the following day
- On New Year's Eve until 1am on New Year's Day
- On 5th November until midnight
The regulations are to be enforced by the police. There is a penalty of up to £5,000 or 6 months in prison for breach of the curfew.
Top tips
Follow these easy top tips to make sure your pet remains relaxed and happy over the firework season.
- On the evenings you expect fireworks ensure your pet is safe indoors and secure doors, windows and cat flaps
- Make sure your dog or cat is microchipped. If they do escape, frightened confused animals can easily get lost or injured and it is important that they are easily identified
- Ensure dogs are taken out to toilet early in the evening and cats are provided with a litter tray
- Draw curtains to reduce outside noise and play music or have the TV turned on to help mask the noise of fireworks.
- Ignore any fearful behaviour. Do not try to comfort your pet. The animal will pick up on your anxiety and this may make the problem worse and/or fussing a pet who appears frightened can reward this negative behaviour
- Don’t punish your pet either; this only confirms that there was something to be afraid of
- If your pet hides in a corner or under a bed, leave it alone and do not try to coax it out. This ‘bolthole’ is where the animal feels most secure
- Try not to go out during such potentially upsetting events. Seeing you acting normally will help your pets feel more settled
- Speak to your vet about using the synthetic pheromones for you pets during the fireworks season
- If you are still worried or if the pet takes a long time to recover from the experience contact your vet for further assistance or for referral for behavioural therapy