North Show Fireworks Tomorrow Night: GSPCA Urges Pet Owners and Animal Keepers to Plan Ahead

North Show Fireworks Tomorrow Night: GSPCA Urges Pet Owners and Animal Keepers to Plan Ahead

The GSPCA is reminding pet owners, horse owners and those caring for farm animals that the North Show fireworks display is scheduled to take place at Saumarez Park tomorrow evening, with the display due to start at approximately 9.50pm and expected to last around 10 to 15 minutes.

Whilst fireworks can be enjoyable for many people, they can be a frightening experience for animals. Every year the GSPCA receives reports of pets becoming distressed, escaping from homes and gardens, and livestock becoming alarmed by the unexpected noise and flashes.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:

"We know many animals can become anxious when fireworks are being let off, and even a short display can have a significant impact on some pets and livestock. We would encourage owners to make preparations in advance to help reduce stress and keep their animals safe."

Advice for Dog Owners

Dogs can be particularly affected by fireworks and owners are advised to:

• Walk dogs well before the display starts.
• Keep dogs indoors from early evening where possible.
• Close curtains and blinds to reduce flashes of light.
• Provide a safe, comfortable hiding place.
• Turn on the television, radio or other background noise to help mask the sound.
• Ensure dogs are microchipped and wearing identification tags in case they escape.
• Remain calm and reassure your dog without forcing interaction.

Advice for Cat Owners

Cats should be:

• Encouraged to come indoors before dark.
• Given access to quiet hiding places.
• Kept inside until the fireworks are over and the area is quiet.
• Provided with familiar bedding and surroundings to help them feel secure.

Small Pets and Birds

Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds and other small animals can be very sensitive to loud noises.

Owners should consider:

• Moving hutches or cages into a sheltered area if possible.
• Covering enclosures with blankets or covers, whilst maintaining good ventilation.
• Providing extra bedding for comfort and security.
• Minimising disturbance and keeping the environment calm.

Horses and Livestock

Fireworks can present particular challenges for horses and farm animals.

The GSPCA advises owners to:

• Check fencing, gates and boundaries before the display.
• Ensure animals have access to secure fields or housing.
• Avoid moving livestock during the fireworks period unless absolutely necessary.
• Monitor animals where practical.
• Consider stable management arrangements that are appropriate for individual horses.
• Make neighbouring land users aware if animals may be affected.

Horses in particular can react unpredictably when startled, increasing the risk of injury to themselves, riders and handlers.

Fireworks Information Available Online

The States of Guernsey maintains information on planned public firework displays and guidance for residents. To view the latest information visit:

https://gov.gg/fireworks

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

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

Help the GSPCA Build a Picture of Firework Impacts

The GSPCA is currently running its Full Firework Survey 2025 and is encouraging animal owners to take part. The survey helps gather information on how fireworks affect pets, horses, livestock and wildlife across Guernsey.

Complete the survey at:

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:

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

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

Steve Byrne added:

"The North Show fireworks display is expected to last only a short time, but for some animals those few minutes can be extremely stressful. By planning ahead and taking a few simple precautions owners can help keep their pets and animals safe and comfortable. We would also encourage islanders to complete our 2025 survey and report any incidents so that we can continue to build a clearer picture of how fireworks affect animal welfare in Guernsey."

For further information and firework-related animal welfare advice, please visit the GSPCA website at www.gspca.org.gg.

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

• Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
• North Show 26^th-27^th August 2026
• International Dog Day 26^th August 2026
• World Animal Month October 2026
• World Animal Day 4^th October 2026
• Feral Cat Day 16^th October 2026
• National cat Day 29^th October 2026
• Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
• Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
• Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
• 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.”