With bonfire night and Halloween fast approaching, the Farmers’ Union of Wales is today urging people to remember the distress fireworks and sky lanterns can cause to livestock and pets and reminds them of the dangers posed by bonfires.
“We call on people to stick to the firework safety code at all times, especially over the bonfire and Halloween season, to minimise the risk to livestock, pets and humans,” said FUW Land Use Policy Officer Bernard Griffiths.
“This time of year poses many dangers to animals and children – so don’t let negligence and ignorance be the cause for a real-life horror,” added Mr Griffiths.
Animals in general are not fond of the noise of fireworks and can become quite anxious during this time of year. Therefore, the FUW urges people to be considerate and not let them off near livestock.
“It is also a good idea to make sure that your pets have been micro-chipped by a vet and that the details on the chip are up to date prior to bonfire night, just in case they go missing,” said Mr Griffiths.
The FUW recommends that people visit an organised display but if you are having a display at home please make sure you follow the firework code at all times to minimise the stress for farm animals and children.
It is also advisable to give neighbours a few days notice of your firework display, particularly if they are elderly, have young children or pets.
“We further urge people not to use sky lanterns, which have been banned by nearly half of county councils in Wales, as they pose significant dangers to livestock and are, of course, a considerable fire safety risk,” added Mr Griffiths.