Fireworks can cause animals distress
Actors Bill Nighy and David Schneider Star In New RSPCA Fireworks Advert.
The RSPCA asks the public to remember the distress fireworks can cause animals - Actors Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest) and David Schneider (Mission:Impossible, Gimme Gimme Gimme) are helping spread the RSPCA's message that fireworks cause distress to animals.
In a new radio ad, David is heard struggling as he pretends to put earplugs in a cat's ears in a misguided attempt to protect it from firework noise. Bill points out that trying to fit animals with earplugs is 'stupid' and instead asks listeners to text 'BANG' to the RSPCA at 60022 for better advice on how to help animals*.
Bill said: "I'm delighted to support the RSPCA's fireworks campaign and I hope the ad will help remind people that fireworks frighten thousands of pets. This is a huge problem, and I hope everyone will do what they can to help. The best thing people can do is go to an organised public display instead of holding their own at home - and encourage the organisers to use lower noise fireworks."
David added: "My two cats Ruby and George are terrified of fireworks. Obviously I wouldn't try to fit them with ear plugs. I'm far more likely to wear them myself!
"I feel sorry for the cats on Bonfire Night, especially George. Ruby's good at finding places to hide - but George, bless him, is far too stupid! I try to help the cats out by making sure they're safely inside the house when fireworks are going off. I hope the new RSPCA ad reminds people to think about animals this November."
Pet owners are encouraged to help the RSPCA measure the number of animals affected by fireworks by taking part in the Society's new online survey at www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks where people can also find advice and tips about how to help animals on Bonfire Night.
Andy Foxcroft, chief officer for the RSPCA inspectorate, said: "Fireworks can cause a great deal of pain and anxiety to animals because their hearing is far more sensitive than ours. The noise could result in them bolting, hiding, shaking, becoming destructive, or whimpering.
"Fireworks don't have to be loud to be impressive - most people enjoy the visual display as much, if not more than, the huge bangs. We urge people to attend an organised public display rather than holding their own. Organised displays are usually well publicised, which means pet owners can prepare in advance."
Pet owners can help their animals by seeking advice from their vet before the firework season begins and ensuring all pets are indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
If people can't make an organised display and want to have a fireworks party at home, they should use lower noise fireworks as they will reduce the likely stress caused to animals. However, it is important to ensure animal owners in the neighbourhood are aware.
It's also important to pick up all your firework litter after it has cooled down and dispose of it properly. Firework debris and litter can harm animals, so make sure it is removed and put in the bin.
What the public can do to help
1. Never let fireworks off near any animals.
2. Ensure all pets are kept indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
3. Bring all small animals indoors (in their normal housing) into a quiet, dark room.
4. Close curtains and leave a TV or music on to mask the noise of fireworks.
5. Seek advice from your vet before the firework season begins.
Further tips on how people can best care for cats, dogs, horses and small animals on Bonfire Night are available from the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 244
Added on: 22/11/07.
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