Unexpected loud noises and flashing lights can make furry companions feel anxious, and some animals will even run away in fear, or become injured with escape attempts. Here are some top tips for pet parents to keep animals calm and safe if there are fireworks taking place in your neighbourhood:

1. 

   Keep animals indoors during firework displays, making sure to close windows and doors. If you need to take your dog outside, keep them leashed to prevent them from bolting and becoming lost.

2. Ensure your pet wears a properly fitted collar and ID tags. Microchipping is also encouraged to help increase the chances of being reunited if they become lost.
3. Walk your dog before it gets dark to avoid going outside once the fireworks start.
4. Have a safe place for your pet to feel at ease.
5. Block out flashing lights by keeping curtains and blinds closed or by placing a blanket over your animal’s crate or safe space.
6. Turn on the TV or play quiet music to help mask the noise.
7. Having familiar scents for your pet can help to reduce stress from the smells of firework displays.
8. Even if your dog doesn’t show signs of distress, resist the urge to bring them with you to watch a fireworks display. Dogs are far more sensitive to the sounds and smells produced by fireworks than we are and would be happier in the quiet of their home.
9. If you have an animal who has a history of fear with fireworks, consider speaking to your veterinarian about support options.

If you do become separated from your animal, immediately search your property and contact your neighbours. Leave your phone number and pet’s description or photo with them. Place items with a familiar scent outside your home, such as your dog’s bedding. You should also contact your local Ontario SPCA animal centre, humane society or animal control to see if someone has found your furry friend.

“We know how distressing it can be for families to have a beloved pet go missing,” says Kassie Dickson, Animal Behaviour Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Take extra precautions this weekend, especially if you’re visiting somewhere your pet might not be as familiar with, such as a cottage or campground. It only takes a second for your pet to become frightened by fireworks and run away.”

For more long weekend safety tips, as well as tips to help find a lost pet, visit ontariospca.ca.

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Orillia City Council has enacted a comprehensive fireworks by-law that bans fireworks within city limits effective immediately. This by-law was approved during the April 8 Council meeting and restricts the discharge of fireworks in Orillia solely to Council-approved special events only.

“The decision to ban fireworks in the city, with the exception of Council-approved special events, comes after careful consideration of various factors, including public safety concerns, environmental impacts, and feedback from residents. As a Council, we have heard from many members of our community about the challenges that are experienced with residential fireworks including excessive noise, smoke and debris, impacts to those with traumatic stress disorders or who are sensitive to noise, and the impacts to wildlife and pets,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We hope the new by-law will address concerns from our residents.”

Under the new by-law, members of the public are prohibited from discharging fireworks citywide on any day and organizations wishing to hold a fireworks display must seek Council approval and go through a special event permitting process to do so. Any approved fireworks will only be permitted to be discharged at Couchiching Beach Park through a special event permit. Currently, the only special event with approval to discharge fireworks is the Canada Day Committee that hosts the Canada Day festivities and fireworks on July 1 annually.

Under the new by-law, an investigation identifying the unlawful discharge of fireworks could result in an inspection fee of $200 payable by the property owner and up to a $50,000 fine for the persons held responsible. Additionally, should the unlawful discharge of fireworks result in a fire, additional service charges would be payable by the property owner for the Orillia Fire Department’s response. Members of the public can report the discharging of fireworks to the Ontario Provincial Police through their non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.

Organizations that would like to apply for a permit to discharge fireworks should contact Recreation Services at bookings@orillia.ca or 705-325-3506.

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As the community prepares to celebrate the Canada Day weekend here is what need to know about Fireworks By-law 21-102.

• Fireworks can only be discharged on Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. There is a provision in the by-law allowing for the discharge of fireworks the day following Victoria Day or Canada Day in the case of rain or windy conditions.
• The discharge of fireworks is strictly prohibited within the municipality outside of these four days.
• The sale of fireworks within the municipality is now limited to the seven days prior to any of the permitted days for setting off fireworks.
• A ticket or summons to appear in court could be issued with fines ranging between $365.00 to $100,000.00 to anyone caught violating this by-law.

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be strictly enforcing instances of non-compliance. Concerns regarding non-compliance can be reported to the Municipal Law Enforcement Department at 705-526-4136 from Sunday to Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

A copy of the Township’s by-laws can be found on the Township’s website by visiting www.tiny.ca/township-hall/find-law or to learn more about the use of fireworks in the Township visit www.tiny.ca/fireworks.

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Before you set off fireworks, go through this checklist of rules and safety advice: Rules & Regulations when using fireworks

• Property limits: You are only permitted to use fireworks on your own property and only if the front of your property is a minimum of 18 metres (59 ft.) wide. If you are renting, you must have written permission from the homeowner to use fireworks.

• Date: Fireworks are only permitted on specific dates per Town. o Newmarket residents: May 22, 23, 24; Aurora residents: May 22 and 23

• Time: only use fireworks between dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.) and 11 p.m.

• User: You must be 18 years of age or older to discharge fireworks.

Tips for safe use

• Buy from a reliable source: steer clear of illegal explosives and never make your own. Only sparkler fireworks, fountain fireworks, roman candles and pinwheel fireworks are allowable for general consumer sale and use.

• Handle with caution: fireworks must be handled by an adult. Carefully read and follow directions on the label of fireworks packaging.

• Prepare the space: only use fireworks outside and have a water source handy and ready to use (buckets of water or garden hose turned on). Be aware and cautious of surrounding dry vegetation which can be flammable.

• Igniting fireworks: keep children far away from the discharge site. o Always aim the fireworks away from people and buildings.

• • Never hold the fireworks in your hand when lighting or discharging.
  • Do not smoke while handling or near fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time. Never set off fireworks during strong winds
  • Never re-light a dud firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak the dud in a bucket of water
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people
  • Wear eye protection and never have any part of their body over the firework

• Clean up & disposal: Pick up debris when finished and check for embers or smoldering materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper disposal of fireworks.

Remember to be considerate of your neighbours and pets when using fireworks.

Animal Services at the Town of Aurora offers proactive tips for dog owners:

1. Avoid letting your dog outdoors at times when fireworks are likely to go off.

2. Create a ‘safe place’ inside your home for your dog to hide from fireworks, such as a crate or bedroom.

3. Make sure windows and doors are closed and draw the curtains or cover the windows to minimize the lights from the fireworks.

4. Make sure that your dogs are microchipped and that their microchip details are up to date (in the event they get out).

Residents travelling out of town to the cottage or trailer are encouraged to check the local bylaws for fireworks and outdoor burning, along with burn bans, to ensure follow the rules of the area.

Whether you’re cooking inside, grilling on the barbeque or hosting a campfire, remember, whenever there is a flame, always have a water source on hand and ready for action. However, never pour water onto a grease fire. If the fire cannot be suppressed, alert others, evacuate and then call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

For more information, safety tips and links to Town by-laws, visit cyfs.ca

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