Pet Owners Asked To Sign On-Line Fireworks Packaging Petition
13 years ago
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Posted
4th October, 2011 21h04
Dog and cat owners are being urged to sign to an on-line petition calling for fireworks manufacturers to carry information about pet safety both on-line and on their packaging.
Animal healthcare company, Ceva - the manufacturers of leading veterinary behaviour products
Adaptil™ and
Feliway® – are supporting the move which they hope will attract widespread support from breeders, owners, vets, rescue organisations and professionals working in the industry.
It is already being backed by
Wood Green Animal Shelter and the
Blue Cross and celebrity dog owners solicitor Nick Freeman, aka Mr Loophole, and model and author, Jilly Johnson.
Research indicates that more than 80 per cent of pet owners in the UK have a cat or dog that is afraid of fireworks.
If the petition – posted on the Government’s website reaches 100,000 signatures - time will be set aside for it to be debated in the House of Commons.
Dan Syrett, who posted the petition, said: “Many dogs and cats are terrified of fireworks and the approach of Bonfire Night fills their owners with dread. The loud bangs can reduce some dogs to quivering wrecks.
“The aim of the petition is to make it mandatory for fireworks packaging and websites to carry ‘pet safety’ information. This can be similar to messages found on cigarette packets to more detailed advice on their websites.
“By following some simple guidelines, pet owners can ensure their dogs and cats are kept safe whilst public and private displays are in full swing.
“The petition isn’t contentious. It just calls on the fireworks industry to recognize its responsibilities with regards to domestic pets. It’s their duty of care to publish this information.”
Staffordshire TerrierBull Terrier owner Nick Freeman, aka celebrity lawyer “Mr Loophole”, said: “So many pet owners are oblivious to the devastating and traumatic effect that fireworks have on their beloved animals, and this warning can only help reduce their stress and suffering.
“My two Staffords used to go into shake, rattle and roll mode and hide in the shower. Both needed sedatives and so did I.”
Jilly Johnson, who owns two Great Danes, said: “November 5th is very difficult for all pet owners – we don’t want to be kill joys, but it is important that kids, parents and all humans respect the fact that pets are particularly vulnerable at this time.
“Boris and Bertie have Valerian also, and I don’t let them in garden without leads for their own wellbeing and peace of mind.”
The petition, found at
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/17105, reads: “More than 80 per cent of pet owners have a pet that is afraid of fireworks. Fireworks manufacturers need to accept their responsibilities in this and publicise pet safety information on packaging and on their websites. We, the undersigned, call on the Government to make this a mandatory requirement.”
Information about pet safety around fireworks is available from
http://www.secrettohappypets.comMore from
