Animal lover pleads with Calderdale public to not use fireworks during NHS clap

Every Thursday at 8pm, members of the public across the UK are standing outside their homes to clap NHS key workers to applaud their frontline fight against coronavirus (Covid-19).

However, animal-loving Ami Baxter, 33, of Elland, wants a fireworks ban during the weekly clap after her two horses became spooked by 'loud noises', resulting in serious injuries.

She said: "Poor animals who are suffering on a weekly basis following what now seems to be a who-can-make-the-loudest noise supposedly for showing appreciation for NHS.

My two horses were injured following locals in Ripponden setting off fireworks and clattering pots and pans as the noise echoed across the valley.

"The noise started and fireworks went off at 8pm and the horses bolted across their field terrified and ended up jumping over a five-foot wall and injured their legs.

"One of them is still being treated for a cut, over two weeks later and both been in pain.

"With all the noise and fireworks they were still terrified, but later came out their stables drip wet through and shaking.

"My grey horse has just had a physio session and I’m sorry to say he’s damaged his back quite badly after jumping over the wall that night after the fireworks. He’s got to have more treatment.

"The field they were in is actually owned by an NHS worker and she had to break off from her rest after a long shift and help settle the horses."

Ms Baxter also raised concerns for the other local farm animals who are out in their summer fields.

"Many have babies to feed and look after, but what I've witnessed is scared sheep, lambs and cows all running around terrified," said Ms Baxter.

"Some nests have been left unattended because parents have not returned and it’s just heart breaking.

"Deer can run, scared and end up tangled in wire, then starve.

"People move to the countryside for a peaceful life and to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

"So why do people let off fireworks and make such a commotion when it’s at the lives of defenceless animals?

"I know a lot of NHS workers who don’t want all this every week as they themselves have dogs, cats and other animals who are scared week after week."

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA said: "It's wonderful that people are looking for ways to show their support for the NHS staff and other key workers at this challenging time.

"Sadly letting off fireworks can be very distressing to animals. It is not just cats and dogs and other household pets that are affected by fireworks.

"Horses and farm animals can easily be frightened by loud noises and sudden flashes of bright light, which can startle them and cause them to injure themselves on fencing, equipment or, in the case of stabled or housed animals, on fixtures and fittings within their enclosures.

“We hope others will instead choose to show their support and gratitude to key workers in other ways such as clapping from their homes, placing decorated signs in their windows, donating whatever they can to worthy causes, and of course, staying safely at home where possible."

For more information and resources about how to reduce stress in animals while there are fireworks, visit our website: www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks