WITH BANGERS and rockets taking to the skies over the next week, pet charities in the South are urging owners to make sure their pets are kept safe and sound.

To avoid November 5 misery for animals both the RSPCA and the PDSA advises owners to keep their pets indoors to make sure they don't bolt for false safety.

PDSA director of veterinary services Mr Gairn Ross said: "The sheer noise of fireworks can shock a pet into running away and becoming lost and frightened in unfamiliar surroundings.

"The main danger time is, of course, the evening which means that dogs should be exercised during the day, well before the fireworks start and then kept in a room with the curtains drawn and the familiar background sound of a TV or radio.

"Cats should also be kept indoors and provided with a litter tray.

"Caged animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs must be protected, too. Smoke, sparks and noise could cause damage and distress. If possible, transfer the cage hutch indoors or to a garage or outbuilding for the evening, or alternatively place a piece of sacking over the cage."

But RSPCA inspectors and PDSA staff in the South are bracing themselves for a surge in animal casualities as the celebrations draw close.

Each year pets and wildlife suffer appalling injuries from bonfires and fireworks and RSPCA chief veterinary officer Chris Laurence warned: "The vast majority of these injuries could be avoided if more care was taken while planning celebrations and measures should also be taken to ensure that wildlife is not threatened.

"Unfortunately, some of the injuries that we treat are a result of deliberate cruelty and any incidents of animal cruelty should be reported to the RSPCA."

The message from them both is clear: "Remember, remember, the fifth of November" but please don't forget your pets at this potentially frightening and dangerous time of year.

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