Sir, As November 5 approaches, guide dog and other assistance dog owners are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their dogs, many of whom find the loud bangs associated with fireworks too much to bear. Many will be aware that the Fireworks Code reminds us to keep pets indoors on Bonfire Night. However, fireworks are now regularly let off for weeks before and after November 5, and people who depend on assistance dogs for freedom and mobility find they are unable to lead an independent life. They are often left housebound, fearing the impact of fireworks on their dog’s health and ability to work.

Assistance Dogs UK — a coalition of the charities including Guide Dogs, Canine Partners, Dogs for the Disabled, Hearing Dogs and Support Dogs — wants people to “Remember, Remember” our working assistance dogs this November. Why not save fireworks displays for just one night a year by attending fully organised displays or alternatively ensuring that fireworks are let off well away from residential areas?

Sadly, some assistance dogs who have been severely affected by the sound of fireworks have to take medication, which stops them working for a while. The symptoms are shaking, quivering, nervousness and cowering — a kind of canine shell shock so severe that dogs have to be sedated for several days. In the more severe cases, dogs become so traumatised that they are forced into an early retirement as they are unable to cope with everyday noises such as train doors slamming or the sound of a car backfiring. Both these scenarios mean the disabled person is left without the help of the dog that has transformed their independence and often become their lifeline. Limiting fireworks to fully organised displays allows the owner of an assistance dog to plan ahead for the wellbeing of their dog and avoid unnecessary stress to both dog and owner.

Alan Brooks
Chairman, Assistance Dogs UK

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