The Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre is located in the Broomhouse area and their staff experience first-hand the anxiety and distress fireworks cause dogs every year.
The team references the fireworks season as ‘soul-destroying’ as numerous dogs under the charity’s care are traumatised by the racket and the staff can do nothing to eliminate the dogs’ fear.
The establishment of a Firework Control Zone would restrict the private use of fireworks in the area while public organised displays would remain permitted.
A study estimated that between 49 percent and 74 percent of companion dogs in the UK are fearful of fireworks.
According to Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey, dogs living in the locality of Dogs Trust Glasgow are less likely to remain calm after hearing fireworks than the rest of Scotland and the UK.
Dogs Trust believes the zone would therefore be a positive step for dog welfare in the area.
The Fireworks Control Zone consultation, which runs until August 18, is seeking views from locals living in the area and people with a connection to the area.
Have your say at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FCZ_Broomhouse/.
Sandra Downie, manager of Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre, said: “Fireworks season is a really difficult time for us due to the distress we witness in the dogs in our care.
“Fear of fireworks can be manifested in behaviours such as hiding, not eating, trembling and shaking, panting, agitation and trying to escape from their kennel.
“We also see other behaviours including barking, spinning, self-trauma such as tail-chewing, and destruction of bedding and toys.
“These behaviours occur as our dogs try to drive away the perceived threat which can result in them sustaining physical injuries requiring veterinary treatment.”
She said the charity is affected as their rehoming centre is in a residential area where private displays are frequent and unpredictable.
She added: ”Private displays are often unpredictable and can go on for hours. Last year, fireworks were set off from 3pm until the early hours having considerable impact on our dogs.
“Our day-to-day work at the centre is also greatly affected during fireworks season as we are unable to rehome dogs during this time or take in new dogs due to the additional stress fireworks cause.
“We are very appreciative that Glasgow City Council is considering a Firework Control Zone in our area, and we urge locals to please have their say and support the proposal.”
