skip to main content

I want to...

Current filter:

Keep your pets safe

Animal Control Pets and Fireworks 01 web002

Local people are reminded to look after your pets and keep them safe over the Guy Fawkes fireworks period.

Guy Fawkes comes around once a year and can turn your pet’s usually controlled environment into a battleground of confusion and anxiety.

Banging, sizzling, flashing and bright fireworks can scare some pets.

The noise and unpredictability of fireworks lead many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide.

They may also show other signs of anxiety too, like restlessness, panting, pacing or whining.

It’s important we look after our pets when there are fireworks around by keeping them inside or locked in a safe and secure place where they can't escape from.

While Guy Fawkes is traditionally held on November 5, there will likely be fireworks going off before and after that date.

If you are taking your dog out for a walk during the day or evening, remember to keep them on a lead. This also ensures your dog can't run away if it gets spooked.

If you would like more information the Wairoa District Council team is always happy to help. Head over to www.wairoadc.govt.nz or get in touch with our Compliance Team via phone or email.

And please, if you are considering having a night of fireworks, be considerate of others and be safe around fireworks. 

Tips for pet owners - With a little forward planning and the aid of remedies, you can help your pets experience a much calmer Guy Fawkes night.

  • Provide a safe space, inside if possible, on Guy Fawkes night, so your pet won’t see the fireworks flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Once you have your pet safely inside, close the doors, windows and curtains and turn up the volume on your radio or TV to disguise the sounds of the fireworks. Creating a ‘den’ for dogs and providing enough hiding spaces for cats will help them retreat to this safe space and stay calm.
  • Check your pet's microchip and identification tag. Each year, a lot of pets are reported missing as they get spooked by the fireworks and escape from home. By making sure their microchip works and their tags are easy to read you can help rescuers reunite you with your beloved pet.
  • Keep your pet’s mind off the fireworks by entertaining them or giving them toys to play with to give them something to focus on other than the noise.

4 November 2022

Back to Archive

Loading...

Wairoa District Council - Copyright © 2024 Wairoa District Council

Disclaimers and Copyright
While every endeavour has been taken by the Wairoa District Council to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, Wairoa District Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith. Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant government agencies. Wairoa District Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content. Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced information or material is copyright to the respective provider.

© Wairoa District Council - www.wairoadc.govt.nz / +64 6 838 7309 / customerservices@wairoadc.govt.nz