BOLTON pet owners are being urged to support the RSPCA campaign to limit their sale and reduce the noise they make.

The RSPCA is raising a petition calling on the Government to reform firework regulations and restrict the public use of fireworks.

The organisation says loud fireworks should only be used at professionally organised public displays with strict guidelines.

Kathy Kay, Bolton branch administrator, said fireworks bring misery to thousands of animals every year.

And the problem is no longer confined solely to Bonfire Night.

Mrs Kay said: "These days fireworks seem to be used to celebrate every occasion. From New Year to birthdays in addition to a month before Guy Fawkes night -- and a month after."

She said that 50 per cent of all dogs were terrified of fireworks and suffered from trauma and stress after Bonfire Night each year.

Over that period, the RSPCA in Bolton is daily inundated with lost dogs who have bolted due to terror in a bid to escape the noise.

Mrs Kay said: "We are reasonable people and are well aware that we will not wipe out fireworks. I actually love fireworks and enjoy watching them in the sky, but the noise makes me cringe because I am aware of the stress they are causing to animals.

"When I was little there was nothing like we have now. Fireworks are now much louder and are used continuously throughout the year."

She added: "We want to limit the noise. At times the sky around Bolton resembles a war zone."

Anyone who would like to support the RSPCA campaign can apply for a petition by contacting the Bolton branch of the RSPCA tel: Bolton 521160.