Iona, Ernie's dog

In 2022, the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 was passed, with the purpose of limiting the harms fireworks can cause to people and animals. However, two of the key measures in it – restrictions on when fireworks can be sold and used, and training and licensing requirements for anybody buying fireworks – have still not come into force. 

OneKind CEO Jason Rose said: “We have heard from exasperated individuals from across Scotland who have to witness the suffering of the animals in their care year after year due to fireworks. Their stories tell of companion animals urinating and defecating from fear, shaking, pacing and panting, hiding under beds or in cupboards, and crying throughout the night. We also heard accounts of dogs fleeing on their walks, startled by the loud bangs of fireworks, with some even managing to slip out of their collar or harness.

“One individual, Mairi, told us about her rescue dog, Ruby, who went 14 hours without going to the toilet because she was too terrified to go outside. Last week, Mairi’s vet prescribed Ruby a sedative because her suffering is so great. And she’s not alone, several other owners mentioned sedating their pets on their vet’s advice due to the intensity of their suffering.”

He added: “OneKind supporter, Ernie, even rents a remote cottage in the Highlands for two weeks, where no fireworks are set off in the vicinity, as his elderly dog ‘goes to pieces’ when she hears them.” 

The noise of fireworks can be a real source of fear, distress and injury for not only pets, but all kinds of animals, including farmed animals and wild animals. Last year, it was reported that a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo died from stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night. 

Mr Rose added: “While firework control zones are being used in parts of Edinburgh and Glasgow, they are not being used widely or consistently enough. And two key provisions of the legislation, restrictions on when fireworks can be sold and used, and training and licensing requirements for anybody buying fireworks, haven’t even been implemented yet. Creating laws is meaningless unless they are implemented and enforced; the Scottish government must deliver on this.”