Hallowe'en can be a fun time for us, but for our pets, it can be quite stressful.
All of those fireworks going off all through the night can be upsetting for your dogs and cats, and if you happen to let your pets loose in the neighbourhood, there have been plenty of horror stories in the last few years where those pets were harmed or killed.
This year, in the lead up to Hallowe'en, the ISPCA, with support by the Green Party, have issued a joint warning to pet owners to take extra care of their animals.
Doctor Andrew Kelly, the CEO of the ISPCA, had the following to say:
"The noise and activity of Halloween can distress pets and the ISPCA strongly recommend that you keep your pets indoors to ensure you have all of your pets micro-chipped as permanent forms of identification so that they can be returned to the owner if they get lost or stolen. Halloween is also a dangerous time for our wildlife so ensure you check all wood, scrub and leaves for hibernating hedgehogs before lighting any bonfires. If you witness an animal being subjected to cruel treatment, please notify your local Gardaí immediately and contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515 or report
online."
There are some simple steps that pet owners can implement:
- Micro-chipping will give pet owners the best chance of being reunited so rescue centres can locate you as an owner, should your pet run away.
- Pets should have somewhere safe and secure, preferably kept indoors.
- Outdoor pets should be brought indoors or into a secure shed, so that they are shielded from any loud bangs or flashes from fireworks.
- If your pet should escape, contact your local animal rescue centre or dog pound, who will be happy to reunite you with your pet if they have picked it up.
- Larger animal including horses and farm animals can also become upset by Halloween festivities, so their welfare needs to be considered also.
Pippa Hackett, the Green Party Spokesperson on Animal Welfare, said: "We usually expect an increase in the numbers of stray and frightened pets at this time of year, which puts extra pressure on animal rescue centres, dog pounds and veterinary clinics. We commend the dedicated work undertaken by the many animal welfare groups in the country, many of which rely on volunteers and the goodwill of the public to operate."
