SCARED TO DEATH
Heartbreak as puppy and terrified pet rabbit die ‘of fright from fireworks’
PET owners are heartbroken after a puppy and terrified rabbit died of fright from fireworks, it has been reported.
Little black terrier Molly and grey one-year-old Archie suffered from the loud noises over the weekend.
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Susan Paterson said on Facebook her 18-week-old puppy suffered a heart attack on Saturday night in South Yorks. and Donna Pilgrim shared a distressing video of her rabbit shaking in Cornwall hours before he died.
Both owners are now calling for fireworks shows to be in restricted areas.
Donna posted the video of her rabbit's final moments on Sunday to highlight what she claims is "the cruelty and reality of fireworks" and the impact it has one household pets.
she can be heard saying: "My poor little man, he's just had a huge amount of fireworks go off outside.
"As you can see, although he's snug with his hay and his little house where he usually lays, he's now just trembling and shaking in his bed.
"This is the cruelty and reality of fireworks, I'm just hoping and praying that he's still with me tomorrow.
'PLEASE THINK OF THE ANIMALS'
"I found him lying on his side and shaking, he's obviously traumatised by it all.
"So for that few quid's worth going up in smoke, that could do so much more, for so many animals or people in need.
"I hope you enjoyed your five minutes of fun. I think I'll be very lucky to have Archie in the morning."
She added: "I appreciate people get pleasure from fireworks but I just wish it was controlled organised events away from highly populated housing areas.
"Keeps everyone happy then, I really don't want my little Archie to be gone tomorrow."
Donna, from Millbrook, sadly revealed he died just 12 hours later.
On Facebook, with people to think of pets as she shared a picture of her sweet Molly.
She wrote: "Due to the enormous amount of fireworks with loud bangs going off around Wombwell and lower Darfield last night, we lost a young terrier with a heart attack.
"Please think of the animals. Molly was only 18 weeks old and died of FRIGHT caused by fireworks."
She also shared calling for a review of firework laws.
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Julie Doorne, who started the petition, wrote: "Fireworks can cause serious distress to animals. They don’t only suffer psychologically, but also physically as many attempt to run away from, or hide from, the bangs.
"With extreme noise levels and people being able to let off fireworks any time of year, it’s difficult for those who care for animals to be able to put measures in place to protect their animals.
"This is why I’m calling for an urgent review of firework regulations to further restrict their use, as a step to preventing needless animal suffering."
How to keep your pets safe during fireworks
Create a safe space like a den or hideaway a few days before Bonfire night and put treats and toys inside so your pet can associate it with positive things
Keep your pets indoors
Close the curtains and play music or leave the TV on to help muffle the noise
Let your pet smells essential oils to help relax them - Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats
Play with your pets before the fireworks so they may be tired enoughto sleep through it
Speak to your vet it you worry you will be unable to settle your pet
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