ANIMAL charities and vets are urging the public to not use fireworks during the Clap for Carers on Thursday nights. 

Scottish SPCA spoke out about how there should be “no reason” for fireworks during the clap, with the bangs and loud noise distressing animals, as pet owners across the city spoke out about the lasting effects the loud bangs can have.

SSPCA chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said, “There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that people should be setting off fireworks during the weekly ‘clap for carers’ event. 

“It’s disappointing that some members of the public would try to turn a moment of genuine appreciation for keyworkers in to a competition to see who can make the most noise.

“The bang from a firework is terrifying to an animal and some will panic and flee at the sound, which can result in road traffic accidents. 

“We have even received reports of swans flying into electricity pylons and horses being badly injured after running through barbed wire fences.”

Clap for Carers has been a routine way to show appreciation to NHS workers, carers and all key workers during the lockdown, but pyrotechnics used during the 8pm clap have caused distress to many pets and pet owners. 

Animal lovers all over Glasgow also noted heavy firework use on Monday night right across the city, which caused problems for many for pets. 

David Sinclair, from Springburn, spoke of how even the clapping scares his dog now, saying: “My four year old staffy is petrified of them. 

“She now hears the clapping on a Thursday and hides somewhere as she now associates the clapping with the fireworks. 

“She had seizures as a pup so I have to end up putting dog calming music on full volume on a Thursday to help her.”

Lisa, an occupational therapist from the South Side, side: “I work in health and social care and I get that it’s meant to be a nice way of acknowledging key workers but just adds to my stress calming my poor dog down all evening after it.”

One of the biggest problems with the pyrotechnics being used is that, while dog and cats can be trained before Bonfire Night in November,  the use of them outwith the celebration can come as a surprise to pet owners. 

Lara Wilson, Veterinary Surgeon at Vets Now Pet Emergency Hospital in Glasgow said: “Fireworks can be hugely distressing for pets, especially when they’re let off unexpectedly, and we’d urge people not to use them during the weekly Clap for Carers. 

“When pet owners know when displays are happening, for example at a licensed public event, there is lots of advice that we would give that can help owners calm their pet– such as creating safe spaces in your house and playing white noise in the background. 

“However, if fireworks are being let of unexpectedly, then pet owners are unprepared hence increasing the risk to beloved pets."