News Release

June 21, 2007

Contact: Sheila E. Ryan
Dir. of Development & Marketing
Phone: (603) 772-2921 ext. 106

Stratham, NH
For Immediate Release

Summer Fireworks Pose Danger For Pets
NHSPCA Field Services Releases Pet Safety Tips

Stratham, NH - Each year, the NHSPCA & its Field Services Division receives requests for assistance during the Fourth of July Holiday to locate pets that have run off. Summer is here and with it comes thunderstorms, outdoor gatherings and noisy events like the Fourth of July. Fireworks displays are one of the biggest reasons that dogs and cats disappear from homes. The noises and smells frighten and confuse dogs, cats, horses, and all pets, often causing them to panic, act out, hide, or run off. Keeping pets safely in their homes is simple if pet owners take a few simple precautions.

Avoid stress, injury or potential loss of your pet by following the advice below, not only on the Fourth of July but also during storms, summer parties and other potentially stressful events.

Never ignite fireworks near your pets.
Leave dogs at home when traveling to a fireworks display.
During firework displays, keep pets indoors in a confined area. Close blinds and turn on a TV or radio to cover the noise of the fire works.
Make sure your dog has an opportunity to empty its bladder before the noise begins.
Bring your cat(s) inside.
Bring Horses inside.
If you must take your dog where there will be fireworks, keep them on a leash and stay as far back from the display as possible. Avoid stroking and petting them if they are reacting badly. Rather, wait until the noise is over and reward the dog for a job well done. Use treats to reinforce calm behavior.
Keep identification on your dog and cat at all times but especially during storms and fireworks.
If your pet does run off be sure to call your local police department, animal control and animal shelter right away.

For more information about keeping pets safe, call Steve Sprowl, Field Services Division, NHSPCA at 603-772-2921, ext. 111 or Sheila Ryan, 603-772-2921, ext. 106.
-About: The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center that provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way. The Adoption Center is open from 11 am - 4pm on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and closed on Wednesday. For more information about the NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org

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