Terrified pets flee from fireworks and noise

Once again the season of fireworks – and terrified family pets – is almost here.

The North Shore City Council is warning pet owners to see to their animals’ safety during the fireworks season.

Animal control co-ordinator Lee Exler says that every November brings a spate of incidents in which distressed dogs escape from home and bolt onto busy roads or get lost.

Tragically, he says, two panicked dogs ran into the water and drowned during last year’s fireworks season. One was washed up at Torbay and another on Tiri Tiri Island. Both were identified by their council tags.

Mr Exler says that once the fireworks start, which is usually several days before November 5th, owners should pay close attention to their pets.

“Dogs should be kept inside, and the owners of especially nervous animals might want to ask the vet for a sedative. Homeopathic remedies are also available.”

If dogs are left at home alone, they often bark uncontrollably at the noise and sight of fireworks.

Other pets such as cats and horses can also suffer deep anxiety and need to be kept well supervised.

Mr Exler says that a recent incident brought home just how badly noise can affect an animal.

The sound of a nail gun used by builders next door caused a much-loved family dog to bolt through the city for 50 kms.

While the owners frantically searched the city, the dog ran from Campbell’s Bay to Bayview, then through Glenfield and Northcote before ending up in Belmont.

Mr Exler says that the dog was so terrified that it was impossible to catch, and all council staff could do was try to keep it off the motorway while they urgently tried to contact the owners.

This story had a happy ending when the dog found safety at a family member’s home, but other pets are not so fortunate.

Although this was not a fireworks incident, Mr Exler says it is typical of the stories that he hears around the fireworks season.

He advises that owners ensure that the dog’s council registration tag is secure and that the dog is microchipped and the council has been advised of the microchip number. This means that dogs which slip their collars to escape can still be identified.

Missing dogs should be reported immediately to the council Actionline on 09 486 8600 or via the council website www.northshorecity.govt.nz.  

For advice on looking after your dog during the fireworks period, please call the council Dog Services team on 09 486 8600.