Injured Sheep Following Fireworks Prompts Safety Reminder for Animal Owners
The GSPCA is urging islanders to think carefully about livestock and other animals when setting off fireworks following reports of sheep being injured and distressed after fireworks displays on the evening of the 5th November.
With more than 50 firework events registered on the States of Guernsey fireworks website and a further 50-plus displays expected to take place tonight, tomorrow and Sunday, the charity is reminding owners to take precautions where possible and encouraging the public to check display locations online to help keep animals safe.
Local farmer Denise Fallazie contacted the GSPCA after discovering one of her ewes had suffered what is believed to be a firework-related burn during the night.
Denise explained:
"I called the GSPCA to advise that one of our ewes currently in one of the orchid fields in St Peter's had been burnt with what we presume is the remnant of a firework overnight.
Fortunately the burning did not penetrate her skin but nonetheless would have been a very unpleasant and frightening experience for her and the rest of the flock.
If you would be able to raise awareness on your socials to ask people to consider the livestock around them when launching fireworks into the sky I would be grateful and so would our ewe, Lucky."
Denise added:
"Lucky hasn't needed any treatment and in any event there is no livestock vet to treat her on island at the moment.
One of our ram lambs in a field off the Coudre had bolted through the electric fence into brambles. He had to be cut out because he was stuck.
It's been a difficult day."
The ewe, named Lucky, appears to be recovering well thanks to the care and attention of her owner, although the incident highlights the risks fireworks can pose to animals.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Every year we remind people that whilst fireworks can be a wonderful celebration for many, they can be extremely frightening for animals. Dogs, cats, horses, livestock and wildlife can all be affected by the loud noises, flashes and unexpected nature of fireworks.
In this case it appears that one sheep has been injured by what is believed to have been a firework remnant, whilst another became so frightened that it escaped its field and became tangled in brambles. Thankfully both animals appear to be okay, but the incidents demonstrate just how much distress fireworks can cause.
We are very grateful to Denise for bringing this to our attention and for the care she has provided to her flock. With dozens more displays taking place across the Bailiwick over the coming days, we would encourage everyone to check where organised displays are taking place and consider nearby livestock, pets and wildlife before letting fireworks off.
If you own animals, please take sensible precautions where possible, such as moving livestock away from known display locations, checking fencing, bringing pets indoors, closing curtains and providing safe areas where animals can shelter. A little planning can help prevent injury, distress and animals escaping."
Islanders can view registered firework displays and events via the States of Guernsey fireworks information page at www.gov.gg/fireworks.
The GSPCA is asking anyone organising or attending firework displays over the weekend to be mindful of nearby animals and to report any injured wildlife to the charity on 01481 257261.
Photo credit: Denise Fallazie
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
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)
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Upcoming events
- World Animal Month October 2026
- National cat Day 29th 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 10th 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 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th 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 .”
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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 ."
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“Thank you for your support.”
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