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Animal lovers call for fireworks ban - as video shows sheep fleeing in terror

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Animal lovers have called for a ban on private firework displays ahead of Bonfire Night - saying they "traumatise" and "endanger" their beloved pets. "

One couple, who look after 14 rare breed sheep, have video footage of the herd fleeing fireworks in terror - an incident which left one injured and the others "jittery for days". "

Meanwhile, a horse owner says her ponies become "hysterical" when fireworks start - and claims she spends hours clearing poisonous debris from their fields the following morning. "

They are now urging people to stop "tormenting" animals with their own fireworks displays and have encouraged them to instead attend organised community events - which are limited to just one day or weekend each year."

Married couple Pam and Stuart Gallaway, who have 14 sheep, eight of which are 'at risk', at their home in Cheshire, say they are already dreading Bonfire Night - as they know the sheep will become incredibly distressed.

Stuart, 70, said: "Last year was a nightmare. It was incessant. "

"The barrage of fireworks continued for nine days - all in the lead up to Bonfire Night. "

"Fireworks exploded directly over our field and the sheep were terrified. They fled - doing their best to get away from the danger - and stampeded through a gateway. "

"One of our sheep, Chass, was injured as a result. He was extremely lame and we had to get the vet out."

Pam, also 70, added: "It really, really upset me to see the sheep so distressed. "

"The next day, they were all absolutely rigid as they were so scared and on high alert. "

"They kept looking in the direction of where the fireworks came from. "

"Some were jittery for weeks after. They really were traumatised."

"I'm already so apprehensive about what might happen this year." "

Meanwhile, Felicity Farrar-Smith, who has two ponies, is also stressing about the leadup to Bonfire Night - as last year people sent fireworks flying directly into their field.

Her parents' home, where the horses live, backs onto a housing estate - and residents there hold countless displays.

Felicity, 41, said: "There was one time last year where they were literally firing fireworks over my ponies' heads. "

"My daughter was beside herself - trying to help them. And they kept firing them over her head too which was obviously so stressful. "

"The horses were so distressed. They were hysterical. "

"They were just running in circles in the field - and that's when they'll get hurt. They'll run into fences or into each other. "

"They're flight animals after all." "

Felicity was so worried that a firework would hit one of the ponies that she was forced to lock them in the stables during the displays - even with the top doors closed.

The mum-of-three explained: "In the stable, they're still terrified. They're all sweated up. "

"But they do calm down eventually. And the next mornings - I'll find fireworks outside their stables. "

"So that's why I close the top door too. Imagine if one went inside with them?"

On one occasion, Felicity was trying to bring her horses in from the field as yet another fireworks display started.

One bolted in fear while Felicity was still holding her headcollar - causing her finger to snap.

She said: "She bolted and my finger went with her. I've got a permanently disfigured finger now. It's stuck bent that way." "

Felicity, who works as a special needs teacher, has tried reasoning with the neighbours but has had no success.

She said: "I think there's a huge lack of understanding. People don't set out to cause harm, I don't think, but they don't realise how dangerous it is for animals. "

"It's not necessary to have fireworks displays for weeks leading up to Bonfire Night - and weeks after it - sometimes every night. "

"Sometimes they even start at 4pm."

"If people could just go to organised displays which we know are happening - then we can prepare. "

"And we know it's only one night." "

Felicity wants fireworks to be banned from the public - but says she has accepted that it is unlikely to happen.

She said: "In an ideal world, the public shouldn't have access to fireworks. I do think they should be banned. "

"But I know that won't happen - so I would just say, please, only do it on Bonfire Night or on Bonfire Weekend, and think about where they're going to end up. "

"Are you near animals? Could you hit one? People need to consider these things."

Pam and Stuart would also like laws around fireworks to be reconsidered - and have advocated for silent displays instead.

Stuart said: "Fireworks as they are are just too loud. Why can't we have silent ones? Or silent displays which involve lasers? "

"You should also have to notify people if you are having a fireworks event - especially if you're near animals."

Meanwhile, Pam said fireworks should be banned - insisting that they are "a lethal weapon". "

She said: "Fireworks need to be banned from the public. Why do people need them? "

"We should only have public, organised displays. "

"I believe they are a lethal weapon in the wrong hands."

"Anyone setting off a firework near an animal - it's just not acceptable."

Ahead of Bonfire Night, the RSPCA have launched their 'Kind Sparks' campaign - which encourages people to make small changes to reduce the impact of fireworks on animals.

It follows research which revealed that more than half (55 per cent) of pet owners find Bonfire Night one of the most stressful days of the year - and 43 per cent are forced to change their lifestyle because of unexpected fireworks.

The animal welfare charity has therefore created a guide which advises people how to enjoy fireworks more responsibly - from attending organised events to using low-noise fireworks at their own private ones.

They have also created an interactive map which allows anyone to see the number of cats and dogs that would be impacted if they had a firework display in their garden - as well as the decibel level at which the animals would hear the fireworks.

Fireworks generally measure at between 150 and 175 decibels - making them louder than planes at take off (140 decibels) and louder than the level at which human ears become damaged (85 decibels).

Animals are known to have more sensitive hearing than humans in both frequency and volume.



Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA, said: "This firework season we're calling on the nation to remember their neighbours who find fireworks distressing because of the impact it has on their animals."

"We don't want people to feel bad about fireworks, but there are simple changes anyone can make to reduce the impact displays have on their neighbours and animals, and ensure they're enjoying the fun responsibly."

"By arming people with information and guidance we hope to build greater compassion and actions that benefit people and animals. "

"As part of our Kind Sparks campaign, we hope to encourage actions which benefit both people and animals."

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