The start to the new year always starts in the most horrible of ways. My poor boy will be cowering in the shower, trying his best to make himself as small as possible.

It’s only 4.45pm GMT, but already I feel a bit sick. Knowing what my lad will have to go through.

Fireworks, lovely. Noise, pollution, disruption. Why?

As a kid, I think I was never sure what it was all about. People around me going ooh and aarh. Yeah, a sparkler was nice, but hey it was cold out there never really got it.

And then as I grew I learned how wild and domestic animals really were affected. It’s not funny and it’s not clever.

This-

“Millions of animals, including pets, farm animals, and wildlife, are significantly affected by fireworks, with studies showing over 80% of pet owners report negative impacts, and high percentages of dogs (around 41-62%) and horses (over 79%) experiencing fear, leading to distress, injury, escapes, and even death, due to the unpredictable, loud noises and flashes.
Impact on Pets (Dogs & Cats)
Fear & Anxiety: High percentages of dogs (41-62%) and cats show fear, trembling, hiding, excessive barking, pacing, and panting.
Escape & Injury: Many pets try to escape, leading to them getting lost, injured, or even killed.
Lasting Trauma: Fireworks can cause long-term trauma and lasting stress.
Impact on Farm Animals & Horses
Extreme Distress: Horses and livestock experience severe anxiety, with one survey finding 79% of horses anxious around fireworks.
Fatalities: There are recorded cases of horse fatalities linked to firework panic.
Impact on Wildlife
Disorientation & Death: Birds and small animals can be disoriented, unable to find nests, leading to young dying from starvation or dehydration.
Habitat Disruption: Smoke, pollution, and debris from fireworks litter habitats and harm wildlife.
Why Animals Are So Affected
Heightened Senses: Animals hear and see sounds and lights much more intensely than humans.
Unpredictable Danger: The sudden, loud, and unpredictable nature of fireworks triggers survival instincts, making them seem like a massive, close-range threat.
Key Statistics
80% of pet owners report negative impacts from fireworks (USPCA poll).
62% of dogs show fear (RSPCA).
66% of animals are negatively impacted by private displays (RSPCA).

And that was just part of the report. Horrendous statistics.

Can you imagine what animals in war zones must feel like? No, neither can I.