An estimated 45-50% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear during fireworks. This widespread welfare problem affects millions of animals every bonfire night and on other occasions when fireworks are used.
Fear responses to fireworks cause acute psychological suffering during each firework event. Dogs that attempt to escape cause themselves injuries including torn nails, lacerations, and road trauma. Animals with untreated noise phobia experience cumulative welfare harm over multiple events each year. The predictable and preventable nature of most firework fear makes each season an unnecessary welfare harm for millions of animals. Professional help combined with medication where appropriate and systematic desensitisation offers meaningful relief.