WITH the New Year increasingly welcomed through fireworks celebrations, guide dog and other assistance dog owners are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their animals, many of whom find the loud bangs associated with fireworks too much to bear.
Many readers will be aware that the Fireworks Code reminds us to keep pets indoors at times when fireworks are expected to be used in celebration. For example, New Year's Eve.
However, with fireworks now regularly being let off for weeks before and after January 1, the people who depend on assistance dogs for freedom and mobility find that they are no longer able to lead an independent life.
Assistance Dogs UK – a coalition of the charities Guide Dogs, Canine Partners, Dogs for the Disabled, Hearing Dogs, Support Dogs and Dog Aid – is asking readers to limit any firework celebration to New Year's Eve, to attend fully-organised displays or alternatively, ensure that fireworks are let off well away from residential areas?
Limiting fireworks to fully organised displays allows the owner of an assistance dog to plan ahead for the well-being of their dog and avoid unnecessary stress to both dog and owner.
Assistance Dogs (UK) is grateful to all the readers who do remember guide dogs and other assistance dogs during the season's festivities and wishes everyone a safe and peaceful New Year.
Alan Brooks (Chairman – Assistance Dogs UK)
c/o Guide Dogs
Hillfields
Burghfield Common
Reading
RG7 3YG