GSPCA Urges Pet Owners to Check Registered Firework Events and Prepare Animals Ahead of Firework Season

GSPCA Urges Pet Owners to Check Registered Firework Events and Prepare Animals Ahead of Firework Season

The GSPCA is encouraging pet owners, livestock keepers and everyone who cares for animals to check the latest registered firework events listed on the States of Guernsey website and take steps now to help keep animals safe during the upcoming firework season.

Dozens of firework events have been added to the official register over recent days, with displays planned across the Bailiwick between Thursday 5 and Sunday 8 November.

The GSPCA is sharing the growing list to help islanders, particularly those with animals, understand where and when fireworks are expected so they can plan ahead and take appropriate precautions for pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.

The latest registered events can be found on the States of Guernsey fireworks webpage:

www.gov.gg/fireworks

The Quarry has also produced a helpful interactive map showing where registered events are taking place across the island, making it easier for animal owners to identify displays close to their homes and plan accordingly:

The Quarry – Fireworks Night by Night: Find Displays Near You

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:

"We would like to thank those organising firework displays who take the time to register their events. Knowing when and where fireworks will take place can make a huge difference for animal owners. It allows people to plan ahead, keep pets indoors, adjust walking routines, prepare stables and paddocks, and take steps to reduce stress and anxiety for animals.

"The last few days have seen dozens of newly registered events added to the list, which is incredibly helpful. We would encourage all animal owners to check the registered events in their area and start making preparations now.

"While many animals cope well, others can become extremely frightened by loud noises and flashes. Sadly, every year we hear of pets escaping, livestock becoming distressed and wildlife being affected.

"We are particularly pleased to see The Quarry producing an interactive map to help islanders see where displays are planned. We hope people will make use of both the official register and the map when preparing for the coming days."

Firework Safety Advice for Pet Owners

The GSPCA recommends the following precautions to help keep animals safe and reduce anxiety during fireworks:

• Walk dogs before firework events begin and keep them on a lead if fireworks are expected nearby.
• Keep cats indoors before dark where possible.
• Close windows, curtains and doors to help reduce noise and flashes.
• Leave a television or radio on at a normal volume to provide background sound.
• Ensure pets are microchipped and wear identification tags.
• Create a safe, comfortable hiding place where animals can retreat if frightened.
• Check fencing and paddocks for horses and livestock, ensuring animals have access to familiar surroundings.
• Avoid forcing animals outside if they appear distressed.
• Stay calm and behave normally, as animals often take reassurance from their owners.

The GSPCA also encourages people to consider wildlife. Check gardens, sheds and other areas where wild animals may be sheltering, and take care when lighting bonfires or setting up outdoor displays.

Further advice on fireworks and animals can be found on the GSPCA website:

www.gspca.org.gg/page/fireworks-frighten-animals

Help the GSPCA Build a Picture of Firework Impacts

The GSPCA is encouraging animal owners to take part in its Full Firework Survey. The survey helps gather valuable information about how fireworks affect pets, horses, livestock and wildlife across Guernsey.

Complete the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5X397HW

The charity is also asking anyone who experiences or witnesses an animal-related incident, escape, injury or significant upset caused by fireworks to complete the GSPCA Incident or Upset Report due to Fireworks.

Complete an incident or upset report here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9CY983S

The information collected helps the GSPCA better understand the impact of fireworks on animals throughout the Bailiwick and assists with future animal welfare discussions, awareness campaigns and advice.

The GSPCA would like to thank everyone who registers their firework events, shares information and takes steps to protect animals.

Please check the latest listings, use The Quarry's interactive map and www.gov.gg/fireworks to prepare your animals now. A little planning can make a big difference to their welfare.

Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal

To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

To see animals looking for new homes

https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals

To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA

To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog

Upcoming events

• World Animal Month October 2026
• National cat Day 29^th October 2026
• Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed

• Community Bingo Night to Raise Funds for the GSPCA at the Thomas de la Rue Tuesday 10^th November 2026

• Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses 
• Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
• Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
• World Wildlife Conservation Day 4^th December 2026
• Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
• Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10^th April 2027

Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”

“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”

“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”

“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”

“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “

“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “

“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."

"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."

“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”

“To visit our x page please click here .”

“Thank you for your support.”