RSPCA Assured has advised farmers on how to help their livestock cope with the upcoming festivities, as an estimated 6.16 million households in England and Wales plan to set off fireworks this season, according to RSPCA polling.
With Halloween and Bonfire Night around the corner, RSPCA Assured are reminding farmers and the public of the stress and danger that fireworks can bring about for livestock.
The animal welfare charity stated that fireworks can lead to cattle and sheep running away in panic and injuring themselves on fences or farm equipment, while hen and chickens can potentially smother themselves to death as their natural instinct is to huddle together when stressed or frightened.
Charlotte Thomas, who is a regional assessment manager at RSPCA Assured, said: “Every year, farmed animals are frightened by fireworks – despite it being illegal to light fireworks near fields and barns where livestock are kept.
“So we are offering advice to farmers and the public to help reduce the fear and stress fireworks cause.”
Advice
RSPCA Assured offered the following tips to farmers on how they can help protect their livestock during the festivities:
- Check and reinforce fencing and enclosures where necessary, in case livestock panic and try to escape;
- Speak to neighbours and the local community to find out if they are planning on letting off fireworks and if so, alert them to the presence of livestock on the land;
- Check regularly for signs of distress and possibly play low, soothing music to mask the fizzes, cracks, and bangs from firework displays;
- Where possible, arrange an experienced stockperson to stay with livestock when fireworks are going off;
- After the festivities, check fields for any firework debris that can be dangerous to animals.
RSPCA
RSPCA outlined that it is currently campaigning for “stronger firework legislation that protects all animals – from pets and horses to livestock and wildlife.”
As part of the campaign, the charity is requesting for the noise level of all traditional fireworks to be reduced and limiting the sale of fireworks to Category F1 and F2.
The organisation is also recommending that firework-free zones should be put in place in areas here fireworks are more likely to have a greater impact on animals and the environment.
Additionally, within these firework-free zones, the RSPCA noted that it will be encouraging local councils to organise alternative displays to fireworks, such as drone displays.
