Chichester animal rescue urges residents to give fireworks warning ahead of Bonfire Night
An animal rescue centre, in Oving, is appealing to local residents to give advance warning if they are planning to set off fireworks during Bonfire Night celebrations, amid concerns about the impact sudden loud bangs could have on the animals in its care.
Bella’s Halfway Home, which cares for a variety of rescued animals, is asking anyone planning fireworks on Thursday, November 5, or over the weekend of November 7 and 8, to get in touch with details of the planned date, location and approximate times.
The appeal comes after the rescue experienced fireworks being set off just two fields away from its site last year, without any prior warning.
The charity also reported fireworks being set off in a public park without the landowner's permission or, it said, evidence of appropriate insurance and safety arrangements.
This year, the rescue says it has even more animals on site, including a larger number of pigs, alongside sheep, goats, horses and poultry. It is also home to elderly and disabled animals which may be particularly vulnerable to distress.
In its appeal, Bella’s Halfway Home stressed that preparations are already being made to protect the animals during the celebrations.
These include providing additional bedding, ensuring animals have comfortable and secure accommodation, and making regular visits to the rescue throughout the evenings to check on their welfare.
However, the charity says knowing exactly when fireworks are due to be set off would make a significant difference.
A spokesperson for Bella’s Halfway House said: “We want to make ourselves very clear this year.
“If fireworks are set off irresponsibly close to our rescue and any of our animals suffer injuries or require veterinary treatment as a result, we WILL be taking matters further.
“We will do everything we can to identify those responsible, report any potential offences and seek to recover veterinary costs where legally possible.
“We put an incredible amount of time, money and effort into keeping these animals safe. We shouldn’t have to deal with preventable injuries because somebody couldn’t take two minutes to consider what’s living in the surrounding fields.
“We are absolutely not against Bonfire Night. We think it’s a lovely tradition and hope everybody has a wonderful time celebrating Guy Fawkes Night.
“But please think of your neighbours, especially those of us with livestock and animals that don’t understand what’s happening around them.
“We aren’t asking people to cancel their celebrations. We are asking for a little consideration and communication.
“If you’re planning fireworks anywhere around Oving, Chichester or the surrounding fields, Please let us know the date, approximate time and location.
“Even if you’re not organising them yourself but know of somebody who is, we’d really appreciate being made aware.
“We would much rather arrange to have somebody there comforting our animals than arrive to find one injured or distressed because we had no warning.”