Manningham Council is urging pet owners to ensure that their animals are safe and secure during the festive season.

Celebrations and fireworks displays can disturb some domestic pets and Council is asking owners to secure their pets.

Dogs, especially, have extremely sensitive hearing and the noise from fireworks and thunderstorms can cause them to panic and become distressed.

Many dogs do abnormal things when stressed, like jumping over, chewing through or digging under fences. This can create a very unsafe situation for everyone, causing traffic hazards and sometimes fear aggression in dogs.

Fireworks are planned for the evenings of Manningham Carols (around 10.00 pm Friday 16 December, 2016), on New Year’s Eve and during Australia Day celebrations (January 26, 2017). Throughout summer there can also be severe thunderstorms.

If owners are concerned that fireworks and thunderstorms may affect their dog, they are urged to have someone stay with their animal or alternatively secure their animal(s) in the house or garage and ensure their dog is wearing a collar and tag, with relevant contact details attached.

Generally, Council has been able to recover and re-house the majority of pets without impounding the animals, highlighting the advantages of ensuring your pet is registered.

Dogs distressed by fireworks or thunderstorms that escape their premises can travel large distances.

If your pet escapes, check with neighbours, check Council’s lost animals page at www.manningham.vic.gov.au/lost-animals or call the Manningham Pound on 9840 9333. Other places to check are local vet practices, neighbouring Council Pounds and animal shelters.