Two leading dog organisations are appealing to owners to microchip their pets and ensure they have a collar and tag ahead of the fireworks night celebrations.
Two leading dog organisations are appealing to owners to microchip their pets and ensure they have a collar and tag ahead of the fireworks night celebrations.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home will highlight its work caring for lost and unwanted animals at the star-studded Collars and Coats Gala Ball on November 11 at Evolution in Battersea Park, London. The event is being hosted by Peter Andre and includes entertainment from Lulu.
This fireworks night, Battersea has teamed up with Dog Lost UK, a free national database for lost and found dogs, ahead of what both organisations call one of the most stressful times of the year for pets.
Both organisations see the number of lost dogs double on the nights surrounding November 5, as firework displays terrify animals across the country. However only a third of dogs arriving at Battersea are microchipped, and virtually none have a collar and tag, making it almost impossible to trace their owners, says the home.
Border collies and Labradors are among the most common breeds to go missing, but the flashing lights, sudden loud bangs, and unusual noises created by fireworks can spook even the calmest dog, and also affect cats.
It is thought many animals run away and hide when they are scared, and quickly become lost. Unless they are wearing a collar and tag or are microchipped, it can be almost impossible to reunite them with their owners, and many end up in rehoming centres like Battersea.
Battersea’s lost dogs and cats line assistant Carly Cole explained: “It is no exaggeration to say that November 5 is the single most terrifying and traumatic night of the year for pets. Each year around fireworks night we receive so many dogs and cats who tried to run away to hide from the bangs, but were clearly unable to find their owners.”
On a normal day Battersea’s lost dogs and cats line receives about 10 calls from owners who have lost their dog, but last year this surged to 24 calls a day around fireworks night. It also received 32 calls from people who had found a dog – up from the daily average of 18.
Dog Lost UK receives about 250 calls a week from people across the UK who have lost their dog, and founder Jayne Hayes expects this to double in early November. Dog Lost UK also sees a dramatic increase in the number of dogs involved in road traffic accidents, as they panic and become disorientated.
She said: “Owners are always distraught to lose their pet, but the simple steps of microchipping and a collar and tag make all the difference to helping ensure they are reunited. Owners must also remember that it’s not just November 5 to watch out for, as fireworks tend to be set off throughout early November, so don’t let your dog off the lead during this time.”
Battersea also has advice for owners to help reduce stress for their dogs and cats at home if they are affected by fireworks, which is available here
Owners who lose their pets will be urged to report the loss to their local animal rescue centres and via www.DogLost.co.uk as well as notifying their local veterinary practice and animal wardens.
Practices are also being urged to get involved by creating posters and asking nearby businesses to display them. Find out where you can display them and make your poster using a free template at www.lostdogkit.org.uk or www.lostcatkit.org.uk or at Dog Lost’s website
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