South Devon College shares tips to keep pets and wildlife safe this Bonfire Night

Torbay is gearing up for Bonfire Night, with fireworks set to illuminate the skies and bonfires lighting up communities across the Bay over the coming days.

While this may be an exciting occasion for us, the loud bangs and bright flashes can cause distress for our pets and pose risks to local wildlife.

Chloe Chart, Head of Animal Care at South Devon College, shares some advice on keeping pets and wildlife safe and calm during Bonfire Night.

She emphasises that planning ahead is essential, reminding people that animal welfare should be just as much of a priority as other Bonfire Night preparations, such as buying sparklers and digging out woolly hats.

For pets that find fireworks anxiety-inducing, particularly cats and dogs, Chloe shares that creating a calm, safe space can be beneficial.

For example, setting up a cosy den in one of the quietest rooms in your home where your pet can hide away from the noise.

Their favourite toy or a familiar blanket may also give them some much-needed comfort.

Staying with your pet during the fireworks can also provide reassurance and ease anxiety.

Chloe added that it can be helpful to drown out the noise of the bangs as much as possible.

This could be achieved by closing windows and curtains, putting on the television or playing some music.

If possible, it’s also important to try and keep your pets inside by closing cat and dog flaps and ensuring any doors and gates are securely closed.

This means that they will not be exposed to the noises and flashes of fireworks, which can be particularly stressful for cats and dogs who have significantly more sensitive hearing than humans.

Chloe also recommends bringing outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, indoors for the evening to help keep them safe and reduce any stress caused by the fireworks.

If this isn't an option, she suggests moving their hutch into a shed or garage, or creating a visual barrier to help shield them from the fireworks.

Chloe also advises anyone planning to light a bonfire to check their woodpile beforehand for any wildlife that may be sheltering inside, particularly hedgehogs that could have made it into a cosy hideaway.

One way to avoid this is to consider building the bonfire on the same day you are going to light it to prevent any stowaways.

Following this advice can help make Bonfire Night a safer, calmer and more enjoyable experience for both animals and people.