Pets not the only animals spooked by fireworks

We’ve all seen the Westerns where a clap of thunder spooks cattle into a wild-eyed stampede. So it’s not hard to imagine how the screeches and flashes of fireworks can panic farm animals.

Domestic dogs and cats might run for cover under the sofa. Cows, sheep, horses and other farm animals out in the paddocks don’t have that option, and Guy Fawkes celebrations can panic them into bolting, Federated Farmers National Board member Katie Milne says.

They can injure themselves, get tangled in fences and if they do break free, they can cause accidents with motorists.

Katie Milne says as more urban areas push out into farmland, it’s an issue those on the city/rural fringe need to think about.

The NZ Veterinary Association has highlighted two past fireworks cases where a panicked dog ran until the pads of its feet were worn bloody, and a horse that had to be euthanised after it spent a night trapped in a barbed wire fence.

"Fireworks displays in the Northern Hemisphere are in autumn. But here it’s spring, the breeding season for farm animals and horses, which are out in the paddocks with the calves, lambs and foals at foot," she says.

Federated Farmers are urging all New Zealanders - urban and rural - to remember the animals as they let off their crackers and skyrockets. And don’t forget the fire risk.

Let your neighbours know if you’re thinking about celebrating with fireworks. Or check out organised displays instead.

If it’s practical, farmers on the urban fringe might think about moving animals to paddocks furthest from houses, and away from any where they are planning to hold their own fireworks celebrations.

ENDS

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