MORE THAN than half of local authorities across Wales have introduced measures on fireworks to help protect animals - with North Wales leading the way.

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed the latest local authority in Wales - Isle of Anglesey - agreeing a number of actions to help mitigate the impact of fireworks on animals.

An RSPCA-backed Notice of Motion has been passed unanimously by Councillors. It comes as animal owners brace themselves for Chinese New Year celebrations on 1 February.

A total of 14 out of 22 councils in Wales have now acted - which includes all of North Wales’ local authorities - with Isle of Anglesey joining Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd and Wrexham.

This follows the RSPCA’s #BangOutOfOrder campaign which supports more controls over fireworks displays.

As part of this campaign, RSPCA Cymru urges Councils across Wales to adopt a Notice of Motion, committing the local authority to introducing voluntary or localised measures aimed at increasing public awareness of the impact of fireworks on animals.

This includes encouraging the use of quieter fireworks and further encouraging the advertising of displays taking place on Council-owned land to enable animal owners to make preparations to protect their animals.

RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs advisor Billie-Jade Thomas said: “Fireworks are extremely stressful and frightening for lots of animals and they can also cause very serious injury and even death to some.

“All of North Wales councils’ have now undertaken measures to reduce the impact of fireworks on animals and are really leading the way across Wales - and the United Kingdom.”

This week fireworks are expected to celebrate the Chinese New Year (February 1) with animal owners bracing themselves for potential disruption.

Billie-Jade added: “As people celebrate Chinese New Year, we really do urge them to be mindful of animals when it comes to fireworks.

“Please use common sense and make sure they are kept well away from any animals, especially those kept outside."

Wildlife can also be seriously impacted by bonfires and fireworks. Wild animals, like hedgehogs, are at risk of being burnt alive after making their homes inside bonfires and piles of leaves, while some birds will flee their nests or whole colonies can disappear due to noise disturbance.

Back in November in 2019, RSPCA officers were called out to Bryn Celyn, Holywell, to help a horse called Harry who had been found impaled on a fence post having been spooked by fireworks and needed emergency veterinary treatment.