Fireworks cause preventable suffering in millions of dogs annually and represent a legitimate animal welfare policy issue.
Fireworks fear causes intense and recurring suffering in a large proportion of companion dogs. The predictable annual recurrence of multiple fireworks events means this suffering affects millions of dogs for extended periods each year. Restrictions on consumer fireworks use would significantly reduce suffering at population level while preserving access to organised public displays. Individual management including desensitisation and medication provides relief for affected dogs.