A rescued mother cat nursing four seven-week-old kittens was left in distress when fireworks were set off near the Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre over the weekend.
Pictures taken at the centre over the weekend show the upsetting impact fireworks have on animals, with many cats being sick and suffering from an upset stomach.
Taz arrived at the centre from a multi-cat household with her kittens Tabasco, Banana, Serrano and Fatalii.
She has already been through a lot in her young life – but now she’s got to contend with fireworks.
Fireworks could potentially compromise the welfare of the entire litter
Tom Underwood, Veterinary & Behaviour Director at the Scottish SPCA, said: “For animals, fireworks present a significant and entirely preventable animal welfare problem – triggering an acute fear response, causing them to panic, attempt to escape, injure themselves or become so distressed that their normal behaviour is profoundly disrupted.
“For those in our care, this is particularly concerning. Many have already experienced trauma, neglect, abuse or instability. They are living in an unfamiliar environment, often surrounded by unfamiliar animals and people, and are relying on us to provide somewhere safe and predictable. Fireworks can undermine that sense of security in an instant.
“For a nursing cat the impact can be particularly concerning. Sudden loud noises may cause significant stress and anxiety at a time when she needs to feel safe and settled to care for her kittens. Distress may disrupt maternal behaviour, affect nursing and bonding, and potentially compromise the welfare of the entire litter.
“As the Scottish SPCA our responsibility is to prevent suffering wherever we can. We should not accept animals being frightened, injured or potentially killed as an inevitable consequence of public celebrations.”
The Scottish SPCA is calling for a UK-wide ban
Our staff see the harm fireworks cause to animals in our care, but this reaches far beyond our centres. It affects pets in people’s homes, horses in fields and stables, livestock on farms and wildlife with nowhere safe to retreat. That’s why the Scottish SPCA is calling for a UK-wide ban on the private sale and use of F2 and F3 fireworks, only allowing for organised, regulated displays.
For many animals, the sudden bangs, intense flashes and unpredictable bursts can cause fear, panic and disorientation.
Pets may hide, try to escape or remain distressed long after the noise has stopped. Horses, farmed animals and animals in rescue centres can also be affected – as the charity is seeing first-hand.
Wildlife cannot be brought indoors or prepare for what is coming. Sudden noise and light can disturb animals while they are resting, feeding or moving through their habitats. In panic, animals may flee, become displaced or put themselves at risk of injury.
The impact goes beyond the noise of fireworks
Head of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at the Scottish SPCA Nicola Strachan said: “Fireworks can cause intense fear and distress for pets, horses, farmed animals and wildlife. The impact goes beyond noise, with sudden flashes, unpredictable explosions and falling debris creating further risks.
“Our teams see the consequences firsthand, including for rescued animals who should be able to rest and recover in our care. We are calling on the UK Government to ban the private sale and use of fireworks, limiting their use to professionally organised, regulated displays.
“We also want the Scottish Government to use its devolved powers to strengthen protections. Animals should not have to suffer as a consequence of celebration.”
The Scottish SPCA is asking supporters to contact their MP in support of a UK-wide ban on private sale and use, and their MSP to seek action on stronger protections in Scotland.
For advice on protecting animals during fireworks and information on supporting the campaign, visit our website.
