TERRIFIED and quivering, Freddy is nothing like his normal happy self in the build-up to Bonfire Night.
After a number of nights of loud bangs his owner filmed the miniature schnauzer trembling during another frightening evening of fireworks.
While it may be difficult for many people without pets to understand the effects, Freddy's owner shared the video to help make others aware.
She added: "There have been lots of posts/petitions about whether fireworks should be banned lately.
"Don’t get me wrong, like everyone I LOVE a good firework display.
"But this was my dog last night.
"He was terrified for hours and he was like this on Friday and Saturday too and will probably be like this at the weekend as well.
"This can’t be good for his heart and he refused to to go out for a wee for hours.
"While I don’t think they should be banned, I definitely think they should be silent.
"Not only for dogs but for people who suffer with loud noises too."
According to the RSPCA's #BangOutofOrder campaign, around 62 percent of dogs show signs of distress during fireworks along with 54 percent of cats and 55 percent of horses.
THE PDSA adds the following symptoms could be the result of a dog finding firework season stressful:
- Trembling and shaking
- Clinging to owners
- Excessive barking
- Cowering and hiding behind furniture
- Trying to run away
- Going to the toilet in the house
- Pacing and panting
- Refusing to eat
- Destructive behaviour (chewing furniture etc.).
More than 500,000 people have signed a petition on change.org calling for an urgent review of firework regulations to further restrict their use as a 'step to preventing needless animal suffering'.
A parliament petition calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public was signed by more than 300,000 people before it was closed due to the General Election.
The House of Commons Petitions Committee released a report on Tuesday calling on the Government to take action on irresponsible fireworks use and urging better industry regulation.
The inquiry found fireworks can be detrimental to animal welfare and can impact upon people with disabilities or health conditions such as PTSD or autism.
It called on the Government to fund annual national campaigns from October 2020 that raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks.
But it said it does not support a ban on public firework sales because of the 'substantial' economic effect it would have and the importance community-run displays have to local areas.
The report calls for legislation to empower local authorities to introduce permits in communities where the irresponsible use of fireworks is a problem for residents.
It also recommends a review of the decibel level limit of consumer fireworks with the view of working towards a reduced limit to reduce the risks to animals.
The committee has submitted its report for consideration, with a response expected after the General Election.
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