The SPCA has renewed its call to ban the private sale and use of fireworks in New Zealand. 

SPCA is among a number of organisations, including New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Veterinary Association, Local Government New Zealand and SAFE, that presented to a Parliamentary Select Committee last year to advocate for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks. 

Despite overwhelming support for a ban from key stakeholders and the public, the Governance and Administration select committee chose to make ‘no recommendation’ to parliament, allowing the status quo to continue.  

SPCA Chief Executive Andrea Midgen says she’s frustrated by the lack of action from lawmakers, and is urging Kiwis to enjoy fireworks responsibly this Guy Fawkes by attending public displays where possible, instead of purchasing and lighting their own.  

“Many pet owners will know first-hand how distressing fireworks can be for their furry family members, or will have seen the devastating impact they can have on wild or farmed animals,” Andrea says.

“No animal should needlessly suffer in the name of human entertainment, and it’s so disappointing to see our Government turn a blind eye when there’s such an easy solution right in front of them, which is banning the private sale and use of fireworks.”

The period around Guy Fawkes Day is a frightening time for animals, with the loud explosions and bright flashes causing severe distress and anxiety in pets and farmed animals. 

This can lead to animals running away, injuring themselves and becoming involved in traffic incidents. 

Wild animals are also affected, which is particularly concerning as our native birds are raising their young at this time of year.

There have also been incidents where fireworks have been used to deliberately harm animals. 

SPCA Scientific Officer Dr Alison Vaughan told The Central App the stress caused on pets, livestock and animals from fireworks is harmful. 

“Each year, SPCA receives calls relating to fireworks, usually involving distressed animals that have become injured, gone missing and, occasionally, have been deliberately harmed by fireworks. 

“SPCA advocates for the private sale and use of fireworks to be banned in New Zealand, due to the harm and distress they cause animals. 

“We encourage people not to purchase or use fireworks, but to instead attend public displays where possible.

“Guy Fawkes can be a frightening time for animals, with the loud explosions and bright flashes of fireworks causing severe distress and anxiety in companion animals, farmed animals and wildlife. 

“This can lead to animals running away, injuring themselves or becoming involved in traffic incidents.”

To minimise the risk to our pets and keep them as safe as possible, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, Alison says. 

“Whether you have a dog, cat, guinea pig or rabbits, keep your pets inside with doors and windows shut, and the curtains drawn – this will help to muffle any loud bangs and bright flashes. 

“You can also turn on your TV or radio, to help drown out the noise. Make sure you have somewhere comforting for your pet to hide, such as an igloo bed, covered crate or make a bed for them wherever they feel safe to hide. 

“If you have a dog, it’s best to exercise them earlier in the day to avoid being out at dusk when fireworks could be set off. If you have a cat who has outdoor access, make sure they are safe in your home before it gets dark. 

“It’s also a really good time to make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date with your contact details in case they panic and run away, as this could help them to be reunited with you. 

“In some cases, fireworks are so distressing for pets that they may require medication to help them keep calm.”

Alison says to talk to your vet well in advance of Guy Fawkes so that if your pet requires this, you have everything prepared.

“If you have large animals such as horses, it should go without saying, but do not let fireworks off near these animals as it can be incredibly distressing for them. 

“To minimise stress, keep your horses in their usual paddock, unless there is a fireworks display planned nearby. 

“In that case, owners should consider moving their horses to another location. Make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks for anything that could cause them injury, such as protruding nails.” 

Although firework sales to the public are restricted to four days in November, there are no restrictions on when these can be used. 

“Every year we make the same plea, for those in charge to ban the private sale and use of fireworks, yet nothing has been done,” Andrea Midgen says. 

“Instead, it’s fallen on retailers to decide whether or not to sell them, and we’re so grateful to those that have chosen to stop selling fireworks because they know the harm they can cause. 

“We are also so grateful to the wonderful Kiwis who choose not to light their own fireworks as they know how distressing it can be for animals.”

SPCA’s tips for pet and farmed animal owners:  

• Never let fireworks off close to animals.

• Stay home with your pet – they will be less stressed with someone they trust close by.

• Keep pets indoors, where possible. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Turn on your radio or TV to help drown out loud bangs with familiar sounds.

• Make sure that your cat or dog has somewhere comforting to hide such as an igloo bed, covered crate or set up a bed for them wherever they feel safe to retreat to.

• Exercise your dog early in the day to avoid being out during dusk when fireworks could be set off.

• If your cat has outside access, make sure they are safe in your home before dusk.

• Both cats and dogs should be microchipped with contact details up to date and have a collar and identification tag with your contact details on it. If your pet panics and runs away, it will help to reunite you with your pet.

• To minimise stress, keep horses and farmed animals in their usual paddocks and with familiar companions unless a fireworks display is planned close by. Make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks and stables thoroughly for anything which could cause injury, such as protruding nails.