Keep horses safe over Halloween - ISPCA

THE public was reminded of animal safety and welfare this Halloween weekend by the ISPCA which expressed concern about horses, pets, livestock and wildlife from fireworks and bonfires.

At a recent National Fireworks Awareness Campaign, ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “Halloween can be a frightening and dangerous time for animals, due to the use of illegal fireworks. They cause significant distress for pets, other animals and livestock given their heightened senses of hearing and smell.

He added: “We would ask those considering acquiring or using illegal fireworks to think about the impact it has on others – on the elderly and infirm, on our vital emergency services, and on our pets. And to ask themselves, is it really worth it?”

Fireworks are illegal in the Republic as they are dangerous. Serious penalties can be imposed for the misuse of illegal fireworks – fines of up to €10,000 or five years imprisonment, or both, can apply.

Each Halloween, bonfires and fireworks cause significant distress to animals and destruction to property.

Safety tips

Help keep your animals safe:

  • Horses, ponies and donkeys should be securely stabled if possible and checked on regularly.
  • Keep domestic pets safe in a secure area where they cannot dart out from the noise.
  • Make sure all your animals are microchipped in accordance with the law.
  • Putting on a radio loud in yards will help drown out firework bangs.
  • Talk to your veterinary surgeon about minimising animal stress.
  • Putting animals in costumes can be upsetting for them – make sure any such additions don’t restrict their breathing or eyesight.
  • Chocolate, raisins, the sugar substitute xylitol are highly toxic to pets.
  • Watch out for hedgehogs if lighting bonfires.

    • Helpline number

    “Sadly stray animals can fall victim to abuse or cruel Halloween pranks. If you witness any animal cruelty, please contact your local Garda station immediately and report it in confidence to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 0818 515 515. In case of an emergency, please contact your local Gardaí,” said an ISPCA spokesperson.