Bolton: Frustration as couple's dogs 'terrified' due to fireworks

Philip Haque, 49, and Stacey Edwards, 45, have lived in the area for three years with their two rescue border collies, Luna and Tedi.

Philip said: “In the months leading up to Bonfire Night, almost through til March, fireworks go off every other day.

“They can go on from about 4pm until sometimes 2am, especially on weekends.

“Our dogs are extremely scared.

“As soon as they hear them going off, they start cowering, trying to find a place to hide.”

Stacey, a canine hydrotherapist, said: “Since the beginning of September, I'm having sleepless nights because my dogs are terrified.

“I’ve had to sedate them at 11pm.

Philip Haque with Luna and Tedi (Image: Public)

“But it doesn’t really work because the fireworks go on for hours.

“They’re unpredictable, I’m not able to get ahead of them.

“Two nights ago, I was up until 2.30am trying to calm them down.

“They were too scared to go to the toilet outside.

“There is nothing worse than seeing something you love so much being terrorised in their own home.

“And there’s no way to make them feel safe.”

Stacey also has a horse, Tico, that she keeps in a stable in Bury.

Even near there, fireworks are let off frequently, leaving him terrified.

Stacey Edwards with horse, Tico, and their two border collies (Image: Public)

She said: “When he hears fireworks, he starts running around the stable, dripping in sweat.

“The stress has caused him to develop gastric ulcers.

“After I sedate my dogs, I have to leave them with my partner and rush over to Bury to sedate him as well.

“By the time I get back, it’s midnight.

“On November 2, I’m going to have to go away with my animals for a week just to get them away from the fireworks.

“I’d end up with horrendous vet bills if I stayed.”

For three years, her dog Luna suffered from agoraphobia.

Stacey said: “It was mostly because of fireworks.

“Then it escalated to every manmade noise.

“She couldn’t go for walks. She was too terrified.

“And she loves to be outside and run.

Luna and Tedi (Image: Public)

“She's a very intelligent, nervous dog and was badly abused as a young pup.

“Before I managed to help her, we were close to having her put to sleep because she had no quality of life.

“She would still be agoraphobic if I didn't work with her.

“My other dog, Tedi, was never bothered by fireworks until one that sounded like a bomb went off near our garden.

“The whole house shook.”

Stacey said that not only her pets, but almost “70 per cent” of the dogs she has treated are terrified of fireworks.

She said: “It’s painful to their ears and extremely distressing.

“Even if the people that let off fireworks don't care about animals, they should consider the people around them.

“I’m from an army background. My mum and dad both served.

“Luckily, they don't suffer with PTSD but I know a lot of people who do.

“And fireworks are only legal until 11pm, but people are setting them off til 2am or 3am.

Stacey Edwards and Tico (Image: Public)

“If you have an explosive in any other setting, you’d be classed as a terrorist.

“I would be fine if they could only set them off on the weekend of Bonfire Night.

“This way, we could take our animals away.

“But apart from banning or restricting them, I just don’t see a solution.”

Police have warned that the illegal use of fireworks could lead to offenders being locked up for six months.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "It's illegal to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year (1am).

"It's illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place."