Every year in the Far North we have numerous calls of missing, scared and trembling family pets, and farm animals hurting themselves trying to get away from both the sight and sounds made by fireworks.
Our pets, family loved ones, both furry and toddlers, are all the same.Loud bangs can be so scary, and frightening, they can come with no warning.
Last year we experienced some horrific events. The worst was a horse that had been scared by fireworks and had broken a leg trying to escape the noise, and dragging a bleeding, broken leg up a hill to get away.
Those having the fireworks display did not know there was a horse nearby, the owner of the horse was away, and did not know neighbours were having fireworks.
Sadly, the horse had to be put down, but there is no doubt that it had suffered unnecessarily. We at the SPCA see some horrible scenes, this one could have been avoided.
Please, if you have to have fireworks please take every possible precaution to make sure all animals are safe, and far away from displays and home fireworks.
JOHN LOGIE Centre Manager Bay of Islands/Kaitaia & Districts SPCA
