Firework Review Group: report to the Scottish Government

Annex E Species Specific Fear Or Stress Reactions To Fireworks Examples

Examples, provided by the British Veterinary Association and Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, of species-specific fear or stress reactions to fireworks across species include:

Dogs

• Behaviours such as avoidance (e.g. hiding away, not eating and agitation) and overt behaviours (e.g. barking, spinning, tail-chewing) that occur as dogs try to cope with the perceived threat.
• Dogs exhibiting a strong 'flight response', may injure themselves or others.
• Damage to furnishings and carpets as dogs may try to chew or dig their way out of rooms when shut in to get away from the noise.
• These behaviours can be extremely challenging for owners to address because fireworks remain out of their
• control and therefore they are unable to remove the triggers for their dog's fearful behaviour

Cats

• Cats can associate sudden loud noises and flashes of light with danger and an imminent threat to their physical safety, so their natural response is to vacate the area quickly. However, as cats struggle to locate the source of noise, this often means that they will bolt in an unfavourable direction which may not provide protection.
• Cats which have access to outdoor areas are in danger of running into traffic, or becoming lost in an unknown territory. As many cats are not microchipped, this can make it very difficult for them to be returned to their original owners or to obtain owner consent for treatment if the cat has been injured.
• It is recognised that when cats experience chronic stress this often has negative effects over time on their behaviour and physical health such as cystitis, or behavioural problems such as house soiling, redirected aggression to owners and destructive behaviour around the household.

Horses

• As prey animals, horses often respond to threat with flight behaviours and are known to be reactive to loud noises and flashing lights. Horses experience physiological and behavioural changes in response to perceived danger. Sweating, trembling, bucking/rearing, weaving and decreased appetite are commonly described fearful and stress behaviours.
• In response to the perceived danger of fireworks, horses can exhibit 'flight' responses which result in horses running away and/or trying to escape their enclosures. The implications of this includes compromised health and welfare for the horse, people and damage to surrounding property and vehicles. Examples include; horses escaping onto roads in front of traffic; breaking through their enclosure both stabled or outside, resulting in injuries including lacerations, strains/sprains, broken limbs.

Livestock

• Livestock who are startled by the loud noises from fireworks are at risk of injuring themselves on fencing, farm equipment or fixtures and fittings within their housing if startled.
• Debris and remnants of fireworks can also pose can be a risk to the health and welfare of livestock if found on the land. Users of fireworks have a duty of care to dispose of debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.
• Abortion may occur in pregnant livestock who are frightened or stressed by loud noises from fireworks.
• Poultry are especially at risk of 'smother', where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some.
• The use of fireworks can cause deliberate or accidental farm fires that can result in serious injury or death for both livestock and humans. In addition, if the use of fireworks results in a fire, livestock housed on the land run the risk of lead poisoning from burn sites.

Wildlife

• Loud noises may cause distress or injury to the wildlife depending on proximity to the display and the reach of the noise.
• The smell of fire and burning will cause distress to many wildlife species.
• Debris and remnants of fireworks can also pose can be a risk to the health and welfare of wildlife.
• Where bonfires accompany firework displays there is a risk to wild animals who may seek shelter in the bonfire before it is lit.