Spare a thought for all our cats and dogs

Editor,

This November 5, remember, please remember that for cats and dogs, Bonfire Night might seem more like The War of the Worlds than a traditional celebration.

Noisy fireworks displays are often frightening to animals, who don't realise that the explosions are meant to be entertainment, so people should take precautions to make sure that their animals stay safe and comfortable at home.

When startled, dogs can panic and try to flee.

They may jump over fences, and some have even been known to jump through plate-glass windows to get away from the terrifying sounds.

Many cats, dogs and other animals are taken to animal shelters with bloody paws and torn skin from running and breaking through wooden fences.

Lucky animals are reunited with their families, but others are never found. To avoid such upset, make sure that you stay inside with your companion animals.

Close windows and curtains to help muffle the noise of the fireworks, and turn on the TV or a radio to help drown out the sound.

Finally, make sure that your animal companion is wearing a collar or harness with an up-to-date identification tag – just in case.

Don't forget about wild animals, too, especially hedgehogs, who often seek out warm nests for their winter hibernation – which could include your leafy bonfire pile.

Before lighting any fires, please check for these small prickly garden friends and safely move any you find.

Jennifer White

Media Partnerships Coordinator

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.