All animals can suffer on Guy Fawkes night and for some it can have long term affects, a Central Otago veterinarian warns.

Dr Philippa Lowe of VetEnt Alexandra said fireworks can have devastating consequences for horse owners, in particular, if owners are not warned about them in advance.

Horses can bolt through fences and cause damage to themselves that continues to affect their psychological health after the event.

Rabbits and guinea pigs also get particularly worried about loud noises, and Dr Lowe said it wasn’t uncommon for some animal owners to request medication for their pets after having a scare, “to take the edge off.”

Pheromones can also relieve their stress, but there are other things owners can do to help their pets relax, such as shutting the curtains and playing calm music to block out the noise.

“It’s those random acts that often catches people out.”

Every year, veterinary clinics see animals injured and traumatised by fireworks, including pets, wildlife and stock. 

Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa said some injuries are horrific.

Fireworks can also cause severe anxiety and stress in animals.

Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa spokesperson Helen Beattie encourages people to avoid buying and letting off fireworks.

"Fewer fireworks reduce the negative impact on affected animals."

She said supporting a ban on the private sale of fireworks would improve the welfare of animals who find fireworks stressful.

"We are disappointed the Government recently decided not to ban the private sale of fireworks. 

"We will continue to advocate that the Government do so. We also encourage people to continue to speak up on this issue - and speak loudly for the animals, since they can’t speak for themselves.

"We understand some people enjoy having private fireworks displays, but it is the role of veterinarians to advocate for what is in the best interests of animals."

The issue was not just limited to Matariki or Guy Fawkes night. 

“People buy and store fireworks for use at other times. This means the impact fireworks have on animals is year-round, and sporadic - making it more difficult for people to manage and protect easily stressed and anxious animals.”

Alexandra woman Mikayla Hills knows what it’s like after arriving home following the Blossom Festival fireworks, to discover her dog Sasha had disappeared.

The one-year-old rottweiler-cross, escaped from her Fastnet St property, when the event was rescheduled from the Friday to the Saturday night, and Mikayla had briefly left town not realising it was on that night.

Sasha was finally found about 24 hours later on Gilligans Gully Rd, thanks to social media.

Mikayla said she would be much more aware following her recent experience.

"It's hard because I really love fireworks, but people who constantly let them off all night is just too much."

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