On a heartbreaking incident on Bonfire Night, a family from Northumberland is mourning the loss of their beloved dog, Mida, who was fatally hit by a train after being frightened by fireworks. Michelle Kennedy shared the tragic story of how her father, Michael, was walking their two Bearded Collies when the nearby caravan site started their fireworks display without warning. The loud bangs scared the dogs, causing Mida to run away and eventually meet a tragic fate on the train tracks.
The family is still grappling with the guilt and emotional trauma of losing Mida, with Michelle’s mother deeply upset and her father carrying the weight of the incident. Michelle is now advocating for stricter regulations on fireworks, suggesting that they should only be used in organized displays with proper warnings to pet owners. The family’s experience highlights the distressing impact fireworks can have on pets, with a significant increase in missing dogs reported during the weeks of Bonfire Night and Diwali.
According to data from Petlog, a lost and found pet database, 80% of dog owners notice behavioral changes in their pets during fireworks, with 30% describing their dogs as ‘terrified’ of the loud noises and bright lights. Charlotte McNamara from The Kennel Club is calling for government intervention to better control the use of fireworks, emphasizing the distress they cause to animals and the long-term consequences such as pets going missing.
The tragic loss of Mida serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers fireworks pose to pets and the importance of taking precautions to ensure their safety during festive celebrations. Michelle and her family’s advocacy for stricter regulations and awareness around fireworks is a plea for pet owners to be vigilant and proactive in protecting their furry companions from unnecessary harm and distress. Let us all take heed of their story and work towards creating a safer environment for our beloved pets during times of celebration.