A Glasgow woman says that her eight-year-old dog who was left “absolutely terrified” by fireworks ripped up her wedding dress after becoming anxious.
Jade Fellburn, 34, said she has been left with no choice but to turn to medication to treat her staffy’s fear and anxiety, which have been triggered by fireworks. She claims they are being let off “every second night” in the East End of the city, reports Glasgow Live.
Jade, claims a local “groups of youths” have been setting off fireworks near the Barras in Glasgow since mid October, leaving her dog Merry “absolutely terrified and shaken”.
Merry was found rummaging through Jade’s cupboard on Tuesday, October 22 and “ripped up” her wedding dress which was the “last straw” for her upset owner. Jade made a desperate plea in a bid to cease the use of casual fireworks.
She said: “It’s constant – we are already running out of Merry’s medicine after trying everything – classical music, happy hoods, calming treats, all sorts. We didn’t want to resort to drugs but it’s the only thing that helps her calm down.
“It’s groups of young people setting them off in any grassy area they can find – it can start as early as 12pm in the afternoon meaning that’s Merry terrified from very early on in the day.
“During a bad episode Merry pulled opened my cupboard and ripped up my wedding dress, which was hidden away behind a MDF sheet – she gets so scared that she tries to dig her way out of danger, it’s like digging a tunnel to escape”.
Merry’s daily routine is also affected with her toilet habits changing. Jade has now resorted to buying indoor puppy pads after she is left too frightened to go outside to use the toilet or go on a walk.
The owner believes if large organised events were brought back to the city, members of the public wouldn’t “feel the need” to buy fireworks and set them off in residential areas, or as Jade says “wherever they fancy”.
It comes after Glasgow City Council announced various neighbourhoods across the city would be identified as ‘firework control zones’ (FCZ) in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour. This would make it illegal to set fireworks off on public or private land, including gardens between November 1 – 10.
However, after announcing Pollokshields as the first FCZ, the council had to withdraw after they did not issue a legal notice in enough time to allow the zone to come into effect in time for those dates – leaving residents disappointed.
Advice on how to support your dog during fireworks
- Block out flashes and bangs. Close any windows or curtains and turn the lights on. Put on music or the TV to help disguise the noise.
- Recognise the needs of your individual dog and let them choose: If your dog wants to hide, let them stay where they feel safe. If they seek reassurance, calmly give them attention and comfort. Research shows that ignoring them won’t help. If your dog doesn’t seem worried, then it’s best to keep them busy with their favourite toys or activities so they don’t become anxious.
- Try to stay calm and relaxed yourself. Your dog will pick up on how you’re feeling, so do your best to relax.
- If your dog makes a mess by accident, avoid telling them off as this might make them feel more scared.
More can be found here.
Details on organised firework displays across Scotland 2024 can be found here.
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