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RSPCA BRENT KNOLL ANIMAL CENTRE.

Brent Road, Brent Knoll, Nr Weston-super-Mare TA9 4BL

Tel: 01278 782671 Fax: 01278 794312

All enquiries regarding animals should be either by phone or visit during the Centre opening hours.

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- RSPCA urges public to buy lower-noise fireworks this November - (Monday 30 October 2006)

The RSPCA is appealing to the public to buy lower-noise fireworks this Bonfire Night to help save thousands of animals frightened of loud fireworks from fear and misery.

A shocking 82 per cent increase in calls about distressed and injured animals was recorded by the Society last year* – members of the public can help reduce this unacceptable figure by avoiding fireworks with big bangs.

It’s not surprising that the RSPCA receives so many calls about the distress fireworks cause animals – research commissioned by the Society showed that 49 per cent of dog owners questioned said their pet was frightened of loud noises. Forty-five per cent of owners reported that their dog was frightened of fireworks.

An RSPCA report ‘Keep The Noise Down’ concludes that a noise limit of 97 decibels (dBAI) should be set for fireworks available for private use by the public. This noise level, similar to that of a car door slamming, would help reduce the distress and suffering loud fireworks cause animals.

A survey of vets showed they treated 3,639 animals for stress caused by fireworks on and around 5 November last year. The Society fears this is just the tip of the iceberg and that it could be even worse for pets and wildlife this year.

In August this year, a four-month-old puppy was killed after being so terrified by a firework that he jumped over a fence in fear and was run over.

Gozo, a New Zealand Huntaway puppy, was in his outside run in Plumpton, near Lewes, when a firework went off in a neighbouring garden. Gozo was so scared he jumped over a four-foot wall and ran off. His owner found his body later the following morning.

The RSPCA’s acting chief veterinary adviser David McDowell said: “Thousands of animals up and down the country suffer distress or injury every year because of firework noise. Our research shows this distress could be reduced dramatically if fireworks no louder than 97 decibels were available to the public for private displays. The current legal noise limit is 120 decibels.

“Fireworks don’t have to be loud to be impressive – most people enjoy the visual display as much, if not more than, the huge bangs. We urge members of the public to buy lower-noise fireworks which are registered as category two under the British Standards mark.”

He added: “It is possible to find lower-noise fireworks in shops now, but if your store doesn’t stock them, why not complain to the manager – we need to make a big noise about keeping the noise down!”

The RSPCA survey also showed that a massive 97 per cent of the vets who responded found that the number of firework-related cases they dealt with last year had either increased or remained the same as the previous year. This indicates that the government’s firework regulations have not helped reduce the distress loud fireworks cause animals.

Vets found that dogs were most affected by fireworks, with 88 per cent of cases involving them. Ten per cent were cats and two per cent were horses or small animals.

Although the Society welcomed the UK Government’s firework regulations introduced last year, it was disappointed with the set noise limit of 120 decibels and continues to call for this to be reduced to 97 decibels.

To download a copy of the report, you can log on to www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks. Alternatively, you can call the RSPCA’s enquiries line on 0870 3335 999.

The RSPCA urges members of the public who feel strongly about the distress fireworks cause pets, wildlife and livestock to contact their MP and ask them to write to Consumer Affairs Minister Ian McCartney at DTI, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET.

· *Between Friday 4 November and Sunday 6 November 2005, 255 calls were made to the RSPCA’s cruelty hotline about animals and fireworks. During the same period in 2004, 140 calls were received.

5. Close curtains to hide flashing lights and leave a TV or radio on to mask the noise of fireworks.

6. Build bonfires as late as possible and gently disturb the fire’s foundations at least two hours before lighting to ensure that there are no animals inside. Hedgehogs have a habit of crawling under bonfire stacks.

7. Make sure that pets are insured and properly identified by means of a collar and tag or preferably a microchip in case they are frightened and bolt.

Recent incidents in which dogs have attacked children have shocked the public and made everyone aware of the danger that dogs can pose. We have all been saddened by these incidents, and our sympathies go out to those affected and to their families and friends.

Media focus has understandably turned onto the subject of dogs, particularly breeds such as Rottweilers and questions are being asked as to why they attack and what should be done.

What is needed is responsible pet ownership. Under the new Animal Welfare Act, due to become law next Spring, pet owners will have a duty of care to their animals. This increase in responsibility should lead to more dogs being looked after properly, leading to fewer problems of aggression. Neutering is recommended for pets and can also reduce aggression in male dogs.

For more than 10 years we have called for a compulsory registration scheme which would further promote and responsible ownership, and provide a national database linking dogs to owners.

The Dangerous Dogs Act goes against our belief that that the focus should be on the deed, not the breed. Rottweilers are not one of the breeds listed on the DDA and we do not think they should be - this criminalises individual breeds. We also do not back wholesale muzzling as this goes against basic welfare needs.

All dogs have the potential to be dangerous. Powerful dogs can be trained to attack, but it is the training that should be questioned, not the type of dog.

Dog owners should train their pets to be sociable and by doing this potentially dangerous situations can be avoided. There are various factors that can lead to aggression in dogs – if a dog is kept cooped up or chained in one place for long periods then this could breed aggression. Hot weather, noise, or change of home and owner can cause an animal to become suddenly aggressive and pack instinct can take over if two dogs or more are together. If a dog has not been socialised early in life then it is introduced to children later in life it can see them as a threat.

If dogs and children are sharing the same environment, everyone needs to be aware of the potential risk. Some dogs are wonderful with children, others might react if they are provoked.

RSPCA centres have many dogs that no longer suit their owners' lifestyles - people should think carefully about taking on any kind of dog and make sure they can look after it responsibly.

A Devon dog has been chosen as the face of the RSPCA PetRetreat scheme, which helps the animal victims of domestic violence.

Staffordshire bull terrier, Petra, who now lives with her new family near Newton Abbott, was taken into the temporary care of the RSPCA as her former owner was fleeing domestic violence in Berkshire. The friendly black and white dog had to have one of her back legs removed after her former owners’ partner broke several places by repeatedly kicking her over a series of month.

PetRetreat fills the gaps left by refuges, very few of which can arrange pet fostering and most of which cannot shelter pets due to health and safety regulations and allergy concerns. Pet owners seeking refuge are usually forced to rely on the kindness of friends when it comes to looking after their pets. If friends can’t step in to take temporary care of the animals, then often a traumatic decision must be reached to give them up for re-homing or have them put to sleep.

For many , leaving home without a safe refuge for their pets is not an option, so they stay in a dangerous situation where they, and often their pets, are subjected to recurring threats and violence. However, pets taken in under the RSPCA PetRetreat scheme will be offered temporary homes with a network of specially selected fosterers until the victim relocates from the refuge.

Due to the confidential nature of the scheme, it is impossible to name or identify clients that have used the scheme in order to fundraise or appeal for fosterers. So in order to give the scheme an identity. Petra will now become its face and logo and serve as a reminder that with help, their can he a happy ending for animal victims of domestic violence.

Carolyn Southwell, the RSPCA PetRetreat co-ordinator said: “It is common for animals involved in the scheme to be fostered for anything from a few weeks to eight or nine months.

“But when Petra was taken in under and fostered under the PetRetreat scheme it soon became apparent that her owner was going to have an unusually long wait before she and her children could be re-housed.

“For that reason, her owner took the selfless decision that it would be fairer on Petra if she signed the dog over to the RSPCA so she could be found a loving new home.”

The PetRetreat scheme, formerly known as ‘Petsafe’, started in June 2002 as a pilot project working with refuges in Somerset, Bristol and Bath. It has since grown to cover the whole of the South and South West and is due to spread into Wales and the West.

In order to help as many people as possible, more animal fosterers are desperately needed to help care for animals that go through the scheme, like Petra.

At the annual Summer Fair the local Winscombe Firemen crew received RSPCA Gallantry Award certificates for their part in the rescue of many animals from an arson fire in their area.

RSPCA officials are looking into the case of a Newfoundland who was found dead after being left in the boot of a holidaymaker’s car parked in Swindon yesterday afternoon.

The dog’s companion, also a Newfoundland had collapsed and was in need of veterinary attention.

This is the third dog to have died in England and Wales this month as temperatures continue to soar

The incidents were among 852 calls received by the RSPCA between 1 July and 18 July reporting dogs left in cars, and also on balconies, in gardens, sheds and other areas without cover or water.

In fact, there have already been more reports of hot dogs this year that in the whole of 2005, and more so far this July and in the whole of July 2005.

David McDowell added: “Even when the weather gets a bit cooler and it clouds over, cars are still dangerous for dogs during the summer, so please, don’t shut them in.”

· On a warm day the temperature inside a car can quickly soar to 49°C/120°F or even higher.

· If an animal in a car is panting for breath it may be on its way to suffering heatstroke.

· If a dog becomes overheated, give it a shower immediately or bathe it in cool water. Call a vet as soon as possible, as once the dog goes into shock and loses consciousness it may be too late.

· Dogs should be exercised when the sun is less strong – eg early in the morning

Animals can also suffer from sunburn, particularly white dogs and cats. Owners should cover any white extremities, especially ear tips, with the highest possible factor sun cream at least once a day and before the animal goes outside.

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act faces up to a £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison. Owners can also be banned from keeping animals, possibly for life.

GEESE: 1 pair of white Geese, a male and female

and a group of 3, one white and two brown.

FANCY PIGEONS: We have 9 adults and 1 juvenile.

These do not need to stay in a big group, could have as many as wanted.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a dog with a severe ear condition was found apparently abandoned at the side of a busy Somerset road.

The long-legged white Jack Russell bitch, was discovered by a soak-away ditch at the side of Shepherd’s Drove, Middlezoy, by an off duty RSPCA market inspector at about 9pm on Saturday 17 June.

The dog was covered in fresh mud, probably as a result of being left in the muddy water filled ditch. Tyre marks on the road suggested a car had stopped there and pulled away very quickly.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel, who is investigating, thinks the friendly little bitch, named Dixie by RSPCA staff, was probably abandoned because her owners did not want to pay for veterinary treatment for the chronic ear condition she is suffering from.

Inspector Daniel said: “ Dixie is in generally good condition but has very bad ears which are swollen and infected and bleeding in places and must be very painful for her. She is a very sweet little dog, and was found pacing up and down at the side of the road, as though she was expecting her owners to come back and get her.”

Dixie was wearing a makeshift collar, made from part of a leather bridle, but she had no tag, microchip or other form of identification.

Inspector Daniel said: “There is never any excuse for abandoning an animal, whatever the circumstances. If people have pets in need of treatment then help and advice is available from a number of animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA.”

Now the RSPCA is appealing for information in a bid to discover who owns Dixie and how she came to be at the side of the road.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 08705 555 999 and leave a message for inspector Daniel. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.

Dixie is currently being cared for at the RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre, near Taunton.

The 2005 Whitehouse kennels and cattery Christmas art and colour presentation.

(25th January, 2006)

The prizes were presented by local RSPCA Inspector John Norman the competition was judged by Ian Stobart (Local vet in WSM).

After years of negotiations, meetings and many sleepless nights the first part of the New Brent Knoll Animal Rescue Centre is nearing completion.

Needless to say we still have a very long way to go and we are continually looking for new funding to help complete this huge project as quickly as possible.

Any donations no matter how small will help us to complete our dream and give North Somerset the Animal Rescue Centre it deserves.

After a very wet show in Clevedon the sun shone on us during our annual visit to Burnham on Sea.

Visitors came from as far away as Devon to take part in our Ferret show and as you can see from the photos below a good time was had by all.

Phase one of the Brent Knoll Animal Centre is on schedule and due to be completed in January, this means that all the old kennel buildings would have been demolished, the drainage work completed and the site made ready for the building work to commence.

The next stage of the project depends on finances and resources available to us, so come on you budding fundraisers lets get some money in, the quicker we get the finances the quicker the Animal Centre will be built.

Congratulations to Ann Moyse who organised and ran the Christmas Draw which at the time of going to print raised a grand total of £1,517.00 which will go towards the building of the new Animal Rescue Centre. We would also like to congratulate the staff at the Worle Shop who sold most of the tickets.

Eric and Ernie if you remember they came into us completely bald with mange, they were abandoned.

They have been in their new home for a month now, and they are a credit to their new owners, who would not part with them for the world.

We are very pleased to announce that after a long wait the work has finally started at the new Animal Centre.

The first stage is the installation of a Sewage Plant and work on this has already commenced.

The actual demolition of the old Kynos Kennels will start shortly and every penny raised is urgently needed to help complete the new kennels as quickly as possible and give us more space to house unwanted animals in the Weston-super-Mare & North Somerset area.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP - ANY DONATIONS WILL BE VERY WELCOME - PLEASE "CLICK HERE"

We are pleased to announce that the Dog Show at Clevedon was a complete success with over £1,100 raised to help the animals in our care. We had 115 entries for the Dog competitions and we would like to take this opportunity the thank everyone who attended and helped us to raise such a fantastic amount of money to boost funds.

We can now update you on the plight of the 20 Rats left on our doorstep on the 12th December 2003.

Due to the excellent work by one of our small animal team, all have re-homed, including the extra nine baby rats that arrived unexpectedly a week after they came into our care.

The Small Animal Fostering team sprung into action this week to look after 20 Rats left on our doorstep. We are now anxious to find new homes and look forward to hearing from anyone who is prepared to give a home to maybe two, three, four or even more. Please contact the RSPCA Office in locking Road or Telephone 01934 627000.

A catalogue of incidents where dogs were in danger of literally being cooked alive have been reported to RSPCA.

This is despite constant warnings from the Society for pet owners to take extra precautions during hot weather.

The RSPCA’s acting chief veterinary officer Steve Cheetham said: “A dog left in a warm car, conservatory, greenhouse, caravan or shed will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke and can die an agonising death. On a warm day these places can resemble an oven and each year dogs left alone like this die after literally being cooked alive.

“Owners must realise there is no safe way to leave a dog like this in warm weather. Even when the weather is not particularly hot, dogs can suffer from heatstroke as up to 90 per cent of their body is covered in hair. Leaving windows open and a bowl of water is not enough.”

Anyone found guilty of causing suffering to an animal under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act faces up to a £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison. Owners can also be banned from keeping animals, possibly for life.

Despite numerous warnings, the RSPCA fears the continuing warm weather predicted for many parts of the south west over the coming days could once again spell danger for dogs.

With temperatures set to stay high, the charity is urging people to heed the advice about the perils of leaving dogs in hot cars and put the welfare of their pet first.

RSPCA superintendent, John Tresidder, said: “A spell of warm weather always triggers calls from the public who are worried about a dog left in a car. Garden centres, supermarket car parks and pubs are some of the most common locations.

People will also go to fetes and visitor attractions and leave their pet in the car, rather than leaving it at home. These incidents could be easily prevented if owners follow the simple rule that there is no safe way to leave an animal in a vehicle on a warm day. Opening a window and leaving a bowl of water is not enough.”

On a sunny day the temperature inside a car can quickly soar to over 49 degrees, turning the inside into an oven. Even on overcast days, or in the shade, the temperature can rise dangerously. Owners who put their animals at risk could face prosecution.

Last year the RSPCA secured five convictions for cases involving dogs in hot cars, nine in 2002 and 15 in 2000.

Heat also brings out the parasites such as fleas and ticks, so check pets regularly. Excessive scratching and itching are the first signs of infestation. All caged animals, even if they are kept indoors, should be kept out of direct sunlight, as should fish tanks. Gardeners can also give wildlife a helping hand by providing fresh bathing and drinking water in birdbaths and ensuring ponds have an escape ramp which touches the water even when levels drop. Occasionally spraying a hose over a pond is a good way to replace lost oxygen.

After nearly 5 hours debate in the House of Commons, the Fireworks Bill passed its third reading today. This means that it now progresses to
the House of Lords.

There is no doubt that the massive number of letters sent from members of the public made this issue one that MP's felt strongly about supporting so thanks so much to everyone who wrote to their M.P. or sent a Quiet Please postcard, signed the petition or helped collect signatures.

We will now be focusing on the Bill getting through the Lords after which it will return to the House of Commons for consideration of any amendments from the Lords. We need to do one last push and get as many petition signatures as possible in preparation for its return to the Commons and make sure the Bill does not fall at the last hurdle. If you haven't yet signed the petition, please add your name and help secure these firework controls.

Thanks once again for the huge amount of support for this campaign which has definitely helped get this Private Members Bill further that so many others and pave the way for a successful passage through Parliament.

A pedigree cat who went missing for three months has been re-united with her delighted owners thanks to a microchip.

Rosie, who is a three-year-old pedigree Turkish Van cat, went missing from her home in Kingswood, Bristol on 7 February.

Her distraught owners, Pat and Alan Yorke, had given up hope of finding their beloved pet, until they received a phone call from the RSPCA Bristol clinic in St Philips saying Rosie had been found straying in Hanham High Street. She had been living close to a sandwich shop for a few days, trying to eat unwanted lunch scraps. Rosie was eventually caught by a local resident who brought her to the RSPCA clinic yesterday. A vet scanned her for a microchip and discovered her contact details.

Rosie has survived her ordeal with only a slight weight loss, but her fluffy white and ginger fur was black with dirt. It remains a mystery how she travelled to Hanham, which is a couple of miles away from her home.

Rosie’s delighted owner Pat Yorke said: “She looked like a smokey grey cat when I picked her up from the clinic. My daughter gave her a bath and the water was filthy. She had oil on her fur so I think she’s been sleeping under cars.

“She escaped when my husband went to take the rubbish out, but she does not normally go out at night. We’d tried everything to find her, and had given up hope. When we got her home she recognised everything, and went straight under my daughter’s bed where she normally sleeps. She’s following me around and won’t let me out of her sight. I’m so pleased she’s back.”

RSPCA Bristol Clinic manager Grizelda Williams said: “This just goes to show how important a tiny microchip can be.

If Rosie had not been microchipped, she might never have been reunited with her owners.

“We recommend all pet owners get their animals microchipped. It is a simple procedure which is usually painless and involves inserting a chip the size of a grain of rice under the animal’s skin. This can be read with a supermarket-style scanner to reveal a number. This is then cross-referenced with a computer database which stores the animal’s owner’s contact details.”

Anyone wishing to have their animal microchipped in the North Somerset area can contact the RSPCA at Weston-super-Mare on 01934 627000.

As from Friday the 28th February the Brent Knoll Animal Centre will close for refurbishment and re building of kennel blocks. This could take 4 to 5 Months, in the meantime animals held at the Centre will be transferred to Whitehouse Kennels. We do apologise for the inconvenience but assure all pet owners in the North Somerset area that the improvement we will be making will be well worth waiting for.

The cost of renovation will be enormous and any donations to help will help us with this huge project would be very gratefully received.

A dog who was so emaciated and weak she could barely stand, is making a remarkable recovery at the RSPCA Bristol veterinary clinic.

"Hope", as she has been named by staff, was found straying yesterday in Vassals Park, Fishponds in Bristol and brought to the RSPCA centre in St Philips.

The brindle-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier-cross was immediately put on a drip in an effort to save her life. As well as emaciation she was suffering from ulcerated wounds along her spine, thought to be as a result of her skin being stretched across her visible bones.

Despite her desperate condition, staff at the clinic say Hope is a friendly loving dog and they are hopeful she will make a good recovery over time.

Now the RSPCA is trying to trace Hope's origins and establish how she came to be in the park.

RSPCA inspector Chris James, who is investigating the case said: "Hope was so weak she could barely walk, so there is no way she could have wandered into the park under her own steam. She was undoubtedly dumped there by someone, and we are appealing for anyone who knows where she came from to contact the RSPCA immediately.

Hope is no more than skin and bone. There is no doubt she would not have lasted much longer had she not been found and treated."

Anyone with any information can call the RSPCA in strictest confidence on 0870 5555999. Calls will be charged at the national rate.

Warning: The following report contains items that some pet owners may find distressing.

RSPCA launches its "Quiet Please" campaign in light of new evidence - Fireworks as loud as a road drill or a nightclub should be banned from public use because of the distress caused to animals. This is the conclusion of a new report published today by the RSPCA.

The "Quiet Please" report also reveals that, contrary to guidance from experts in the firework industry, it is possible to control noise levels through a firework"s construction.

The RSPCA is calling for the government to set a maximum noise level of 95dB for fireworks available to the public. Noise level studies have indicated this is likely to minimise distress to animals, but allow people to continue to enjoy firework displays at home. The Society stresses that animals must never be present when fireworks are let off and usual precautions must be taken to avoid distress.

Bill Tynan MP's Control of Fireworks Bill - which is also published today and will receive its second reading in Parliament on February 28 - aims to regulate public use of fireworks. It also aims to introduce new regulations for public firework displays to ensure that ample consideration is given to those living nearby. But the RSPCA does not believe the distress and disturbance caused to both the public and their pets will be adequately reduced if fireworks louder than 95dB remain available for private use and fears proposed spot f ines for the misuse of fireworks will be near impossible to police.

Chris Laurence, the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer, said: "As fireworks are used more and more the RSPCA believes urgent measures must be taken to stop distress and injury to animals. There is a voluntary ban on the fireworks industry selling fireworks louder than 120dB but suffering to animals would be reduced if these fireworks were sold only to professionals for public displays which should be organised according to strict guidelines . Also we would like to see shops selling fireworks to the public required to have a licence".

To determine a maximum noise level unlikely to cause distress to most animals, two trials were conducted - one in an open area and the other in a built up area. The fireworks were fired and the noise level measured every millisecond. Some fireworks reached more than 100dB -equivalent to noise made by a road drill or nightclub. The readings were then compared to the noise levels of everyday sounds pets may hear.

Research showed the easiest way of controlling noise produced by a firework is to reduce its size. The smaller the firework, the less pyrotechnic powder there is, so there is less noise when the gas is released and the firework explodes.

The RSPCA has fierce veterinary and public backing for its call to reduce the noise of fireworks. In a MORI opinion poll the majority of people questioned thought loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays. And an RSPCA survey of vets in England and Wales (published October 2002) showed that in one year alone 4,825 animals were treated for firework related injuries and/or were prescribed sedatives because they were so frightened. Sixteen animals were put to sleep because of their injuries, and three animals w ere believed to be the victims of deliberate attacks.

An 11-year-old crossbreed dog called Megan was left with red raw feet after she chewed through a wooden door and fled in fear last bonfire night. Already nervous of loud noises, Megan became terrified by the sounds of fireworks exploding. She gnawed through a door at her owner's home in Shipley, West Yorkshire, and bolted when she could no longer stand the noise. She was missing for 12 hours before her distraught owner found her about a mile from home, disorientated and whimpering with fear.

She was taken to see vet David MacCuish, of Avenue Vet Group, Bingley Road, Shipley, who prescribed tranquillisers. He said: "She became so scared, she just ran and lost all sense of direction. When she arrived at Avenue Vets it took quite a while to calm her down. The noise of the fireworks terrified her. I think she ran and just kept on going, The pads on her paws were virtually worn off".

A four-year-old whippet called Blue is so terrified of fireworks that she vomits every time she hears them. Owner Debbie Jones said Blue shakes and cries and hides behind her every time she hears a loud bang, and hopes the sedatives she has been given by her vet will help calm her down this Guy Fawkes Night.

Debbie said: "She starts crying and pacing and just can't settle, and then she is sick. It's very upsetting to see her sit and quiver, so I hope the sedatives work this year - although I don't like having to give them to her".

"Small kitten found on motorway with extensive burns to legs and abdomen. He had his tail amputated and went through months of post-operative care."

"A dog jumped through a glass window whilst fireworks were exploding. He was treated for multiple lacerations and shock."

"Had to collect dog that had died after it had tried to escape from a house. Owners were not in and the dog had hung itself by the collar on the door handle as it jumped up. All claws on a dogs front feet stripped off by the dog trying to scratch and dig its way out of kitchen".

"We have a Staffordshire terrier who destroys his environment totally (furniture, carpets) within minutes of fireworks going off. This poor dog is a miserable pile of anxiety-ridden nerves for two to three months each year".

"Frightened old dog. Ran over two miles and finished on a motorway where he was hit by a car, fracturing a femur."

"Our own Jack Russell terrier escaped from cage, through gas vent and was run over and killed half a mile from home".

"Severe noise phobia causing dog to tear a large hole in an internal door on several occasions".

"Damage to nails, feet and mouth when dogs destroy inside of house and furniture during panic attacks".

"A dog so traumatised by the noise that referral for behavioural therapy was necessary".

"Dog chewed though exterior door and bolted. Missing for 12 hours. Found exhausted about one mile away. Now permanently frightened of loud noises"

"One client's dog got so distressed that he ran into their shed and in his panic knocked the contents of the shed onto himself and died".

"The difficulty is that over each celebration the fireworks go off for three to four days therefore you cannot sedate an animal for this long".

Dear all,

We need urgent support for the firework campaign to ensure at least 100
MPs back the Private Members Bill to control fireworks.

The RSPCA's new report, Quiet Please , was launched today highlighting
the need for a reduction in noise levels for fireworks available for
public use. This coincided with the launch of the Control of Fireworks
Bill which receives its second reading on February 28th.

In order for this Bill to progress to its second reading without being
talked out of time, 100 M.P.s must attend and support the Bill. This will
allow them to vote for closure and it will pass to committee stage.

That is why it is essential that as many people as possible write to
their M.P. asking him or her to attend on the 28th Feb and support the
Bill. The RSPCA web site, which contains details of our research and a
downloadable copy of our new report, has a facility to fax your MP and
sign the petition. You can access this at www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks .

Please help us ensure that we get the support we need for this Bill to
succeed by either faxing or writing to your MP asking them to support
Bill Tynan MP's Control of Fireworks Bill when it receives its Second
Reading on Feb 28th and help reduce the distress fireworks cause
hundreds of animals every year.

Thanks for any support you can give.

Regards
Julie Briggs
Campaigns Dept

IFYOUR PET IS MISSING IN THE NORTH SOMERSET AREA, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH THE RSPCA CENTRE (Tel: 01934 627000).