Fireworks - how are we doing?

Not been too bad here. A few very loud one off bangs and the rest were quite subdued. I have played Mr Ball, fed treats and every now and again let the little ***** into the garden so that he can vent his feelings.
 
I have nothing good to say about people and fireworks.

We had no chance yesterday. 20 past 4 they started, explosions close to our home. We were in the kitchen with TV and music playing. Dog had had her Alprazolam but it was no match for the sound of the world coming to an end outside our window.

Many people putting their own selfish wants above animal welfare. I wonder how they square that with their conscience.
 
Last night was dreadful. Fireworks started here about 4.30, we could see and hear them from our field 5 miles away. The dogs had their meal in peace thankfully along with their calming treats but the fireworks started in earnest just before 6 before the treats took effect. I put the ear defenders on Jesse but made no difference, she was a shaking panting mess. I eventually gave her 5ml of diazepam which I think eventually helped a bit. The display up the road was very loud and seemed to go on for ages. It all finally calmed down about 9 thankfully. My other dog took herself to bed and stayed there. I did debate putting them in the car and going to my sister's but didn't fancy running the gauntlet of noise just to get to the car. I hate fireworks.
 
Errin Paddywack said:
They don't have a conscience.
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They really don’t. Whenever this comes up on my village Facebook group responses are along the lines of “we’re only having fun”, “we’re allowed”, “we’re entitled” along with suggestions that it’s the fault of dog owners for not de-sensitising their dogs or making it worse by comforting their terrified pets.
I just cannot see why they are not banned. Even taking out the impact on pets, they have a huge impact on livestock, wildlife, release greenhouse gases and other pollutants and can have a huge effect on people with PTSD etc.
 
We are fortunate that all our animals are OK with the noise, but I was less than impressed with whatever flip-wit decided to let off fireworks at 1 am this morning! We are at the top of the hill, so we tend not have then going off over us, well not since one lot of new people let off a huge number a few years ago, without telling anyone, next to four different lots of horses, sheep, goats and poultry. We were all picking up rubbish from them, on the road and in the fields for a good week.
 
I am not sure how people can think that causing stress and pain to animals is okay. It is illegal to do so but no-one is ever prosecuted. I hate fireworks they cause me stress fortunately they don't upset my pets or horses but it's no right to hurt others for a nonsense activity. Just hope those pleading poverty were not involved in any way as it is a mindless waste of money
 
Dont.

Its the same every year.

'Shall we ban thunder too?' And other rubbish that highlights peoples lack of education or empathy.

Then you get those people who say things like 'these dogs should have a behaviourist' and imply it's the owners fault and it's a simple fix.

I will never understand how people can lose their shit over fox hunting, yet happily traumatise hundreds of animals, no doubt cause deaths of wildlife and at times cause deaths of peoples pets and that be okay? Because fireworks are just a bit of fun and are a tradition you know! ?
 
Jenko109 said:
Dont.

Its the same every year.

'Shall we ban thunder too?' And other rubbish that highlights peoples lack of education or empathy.

Then you get those people who say things like 'these dogs should have a behaviourist' and imply it's the owners fault and it's a simple fix.

I will never understand how people can lose their shit over fox hunting, yet happily traumatise hundreds of animals, no doubt cause deaths of wildlife and at times cause deaths of peoples pets and that be okay? Because fireworks are just a bit of fun and are a tradition you know! ?
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Loads of arguments on local FB groups this weekend. The usual “fireworks have been around for years, animals needs to get used to it” or “well we trained our dog to like them so you should do the same”.

I was devastated to see that on one of the doggy groups I follow, someone lost their 9 year old dog to a heart attack because the of the fireworks.
 
I think organised firework displays are fine but when they pop up in peoples back gardens without warning, that is entirely another thing.

I have always enjoyed going to an organised firework display with a big bonfire and a fair and lots of stalls selling treats. It would be a shame if firework displays were completely banned.

Sorry for those who have animals suffering at this time. Our previous dog used to shake and pace around the house, I guess we are lucky with this one.
 
Well, after reading of youths rioting with the effing things and lobbing them at police officers, I can't think they can be legally sold to the public for much longer. And by the way, most people don't give a stuff how it affects others, pets, farm animals and wildlife.
 
Fireworks are meant to be illegal for anyone without a license in NI, but that law does bog all when it actually comes down to it.

On the plus side, we don’t really have fireworks at bonfire night here, so at least it’s just Halloween week and then new year to deal with.

My ex and his stupid friends were those morons who’d spend an unholy amount on illegal fireworks, get bored after a couple of hours, and then start lobbing them at each other, blowing up the Halloween pumpkins with them, or putting them in the lit fire pit.

He had the nerve to get pissy with me when I decided to go to bed when they started all this, rather than stay up for the ‘fun’, after I’d spent years telling him how stupid it was, and how much I hated it because it was so dangerous. Not even teenagers either - grown men in their late 20’s!
 
The one thing I hadn't thought about is the way it affects service dogs. I read today that many potential guide dogs in training associate firework explosions with their working harness if they hear them whilst wearing it, rendering them iffy about their ability to work. And yes, fireworks are set off where I live a random times of the day, not just after dark. Heartbreaking for all concerned, when they are some months into their training.
 
We were managing ok until tonight when some idiot let them off in the park we were walking in. ??
Mrs Collie bolted out of the park and across a busy roundabout intent on finding her way home.

Can only thank the drivers who spotted her disco collar (was 6pm so dark!) And slammed their brakes on.
Mrs Spaniel ran to me so was able to clip her lead on and go rescue Mrs Collie.
Both dogs dragged me all the way home ?‍♀️
 
We havent had a night off in about three weeks now.

Lurcher anticipates them and begins shaking as soon as it starts to get dark.

So sick of it now.
 
Birker2020 said:
I think organised firework displays are fine but when they pop up in peoples back gardens without warning, that is entirely another thing.

I have always enjoyed going to an organised firework display with a big bonfire and a fair and lots of stalls selling treats. It would be a shame if firework displays were completely banned.

Sorry for those who have animals suffering at this time. Our previous dog used to shake and pace around the house, I guess we are lucky with this one.
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I agree, I like to watch an organised display at least then pet owners can plan
 
They've just started here tonight.
One of my dogs has just had to stay overnight at the vets due to being un-well this week.
Did wonder whether the stress of last weekend could have contributed.
Both of mine are terrified. :mad:
 
Thank god for living miles from anywhere. We never hear them. My GSDs and collie don’t seem affected by loud bangs (we live on a shooting estate) but it does bother some of my hubby’s collies so I dread to think how they’d cope (or not) with loud firework displays.
Every year there are the same comments about how dogs should be desensitised to them, suggesting the owners are at fault somehow and how it’s fun for children so why should they be deprived. Anyone who has lived with a terrified dog, horse or other pet (not to mention livestock and wildlife who are also traumatised) or anyone with an ounce of empathy could ever feel fireworks are harmless fun, or even remotely acceptable in today’s society.
 
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