’Tis the fireworks season — protect your pets!

THE EDITOR: As the Christmas and New Year seasons approach again, The Animal Welfare Network looks forward to the co-operation of the public, the police service and the media in reducing the use of fireworks in the coming weeks. Last year such co-operation resulted in a significant reduction in the fireworks menace over that experienced in previous years. This meant an improvement in the quality of life for both animals and humans whose lives affected by the noise of fireworks in their neighbourhoods.

Recently there have been several letters in the papers, including one headed “Compassion for man’s best friend” in Newsday on Saturday, November 27, which called for consideration  for animals. We hope that other members of the public will write in a similar vein as such support is needed. The Animals Welfare Network would like to remind  pet owners to secure their animals if there is noise from fireworks or bursting-bamboo. They should also ensure that their dogs are wearing collars with ID tags bearing a telephone contact number. With ID tags there is hope that if a dog escapes from its yard and bolts in fear it may be returned to its home. Without ID there is very little chance of this.

PATRICIA A GREEN
Committee Member
The Animals Welfare Network