After the severe storms on Christmas Day The Lost Dogs’ Home is appealing to pet owners to make sure their pets are safe this New Year’s Eve. This Christmas Eve to Boxing Day The Lost Dogs’ Home took in 92 lost and terrified dogs and we really hope that pet owners will heed this warning and take extra care of their pets on New Year’s Eve.
This year in particular we want to warn pet owners not to be lulled into a false sense of security with the possibility of city fireworks being cancelled due to hot weather and fire ban. Backyard fireworks are the biggest danger to pets and those who set them off will not be deterred by a fire ban.
Annually, illegal fireworks being set off on New Year’s Eve have a devastating effects on the pets we love, with shelters like The Lost Dogs’ Home being left to pick up the pieces.
“Last year, we had 145 animals come into the shelter over 24 hours on January 1, many of whom were severely traumatised, with worn pads on their feet, and suffering badly from exhaustion,” said the Home’s General Manager of Operations, Sue Conroy.
Sadly, shelter staff who care for the many terrified strays over the New Year’s Eve period see many cases where the outcome is considerably darker. There are some awful injuries suffered when pets escape backyards in a panic and lives can be lost when they make it out onto busy roads and streets. And it’s all due to the irresponsible and thoughtless actions for a few minutes of thrills with backyard fireworks.
“Each year at this time we deal with grieving owners frantically searching for their escaped pets. We know from experience that some will hear the worst possible news, that their treasured pet has lost its life,” said Sue.
“A great concern to me too is that there may be dire consequences for road users who are forced to swerve to avoid panicked animals roaming the streets. Sadly, the loss of human life may be what it takes for our community to understand the gravity if this illegal act.”
Irrespective of the danger for pets, and in spite of The Lost Dogs’ Home’s lengthy campaign against illegal fireworks, the toll these pyrotechnics take on the community has continued to grow.
“It is very disappointing that incidents of fireworks in the suburbs have increased, despite warnings from animal authorities about their inherent danger.”
Because of the continued rise in incidences, there is little more that The Lost Dogs’ Home can do to protect pets. We can only raise awareness and implore that owners be especially vigilant in the care of their pets, as all too many animals escape in panic through lack of attention and negligence.
“The unpredictability and randomness of fireworks in suburbia mean that caring owners are forced to stay in to protect their pets. However for some this isn’t possible, in which case we urge them to make sure their pets are secure and safe as possible, completely identifiable and their contact details are up-to-date.”
“As an organisation, we are not anti fireworks. The community enjoys the capital city displays, and owners know to expect them. But we are totally against the illegal, unpredictable fireworks; the thoughtless five minutes of fun and entertainment that can have such appalling consequences. Owners need to speak out and help raise awareness for this yearly atrocity,” Sue implored.
