Fireworks season sparks RSPCA Assured advice to help protect farmed animals

Farmers will be all too aware that these loud bangs and flashing lights from fireworks displays can lead to cattle, pigs and sheep running away in panic and injuring themselves on fences or farm equipment - or even running onto busy roads, risking injury and death.

Poultry can also be negatively affected by fireworks. When hens and chickens are frightened, their instinct is to huddle together, with some birds potentially being smothered.

Mark Robertson, interim assistant director of certification at RSPCA Assured, says: “Fireworks can produce a sound between 120-175 decibels (dB). For humans, sounds over 85 dB can damage hearing, while sounds over 140 dB can cause immediate damage and pain. As animals’ ears are more sensitive than humans and they can hear sounds much further away, this level of sound can be much more damaging.

“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.

“That said, we are pleased to see public support for protecting animals from fireworks growing. According to the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index, 81%* of people across the UK support the introduction of Firework Control Zones - where fireworks are restricted in certain areas to protect animals and vulnerable individuals.”

The Kindness Index also found that 35% of adults have avoided private fireworks displays, and 15% of young people have skipped fireworks parties to protect animals.

Tips for keeping your animals calm during fireworks season

Farmers who are concerned about the well-being of their animals can follow these helpful tips to keep them calm on Bonfire Night:

• Speak to neighbours and the local community: Alert them to the presence of livestock on the land and the impact fireworks can have. Find out if they’re planning any firework displays and let them know your concerns
• Check and reinforce fencing and enclosures where necessary, in case animals panic and try to escape
• Play music to your animals: Play low, soothing-sounding music to livestock for limited periods to mask the fizzes, cracks and bangs. Starting this in the run-up to the fireworks season allows animals to get used to having music playing in the background
• Check your livestock regularly for signs of distress: Stay close and keep your eye on them, so you’re able to step in if they’re showing signs of stress or injury
• Arrange company: Where possible, arrange for an experienced stockperson (who your animals are familiar with) to stay with them when fireworks are going off
• Review your emergency plans: Make sure your emergency procedures are up to date, including knowing the location of your nearest fire hydrant and the what3words address of where your livestock are kept, so emergency services can find you quickly if needed
• Check for debris: After local firework displays, check fields for any firework debris that could be dangerous to your animals.

The RSPCA is once again partnering with Classic FM for the return of the much-loved programme Pet Classics - the annual radio show to help owners and animals relax during fireworks season. Whilst the show is called Pet Classics, the music works just as well for farmed animals.

This fireworks season, Dan Walker, Aled Jones and Dawn O’Porter will host three special Pet Classics programmes on Classic FM filled with soothing classical music and expert advice from the RSPCA, to help keep your animals calm. New for this year, the team has commissioned an original piece of pet-friendly music, ‘When The Night Goes Quiet’, written and recorded by Classic FM Calm Ambassador and composer Noah Inada-Kim. Classic FM Pet Classics shows will air:

• Thursday 5 November, 5pm to 10pm, with Dan Walker
• Friday 6 November, 5pm to 10pm, with Aled Jones
• Saturday 7 November, 5pm to 10pm, with Dawn O’Porter.

For further information and advice on fireworks and keeping livestock safe, visit the RSPCA Assured and the RSPCA websites.