FOR humans, December 31 is a night of celebration and festive cheer, but to animals, the thunderous New Year’s Eve fireworks can make it seem as if the heavens are falling.

Every year, countless companion animals disappear after fireworks displays send them running in fear of their lives.

When startled, dogs can panic and try to flee. They may leap over fences, and some have even been known to jump through plate-glass windows in an attempt to get away from the terrifying sounds.

Many cats, dogs, and other animals are taken to animal shelters with bloody paws and torn skin after running and breaking through wooden fences. Lucky animals are reunited with their families, but others are never found.

To avoid such upset, make sure that you stay indoors with your animal companions. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the noise of the fireworks, and turn on a TV or radio to help drown out the sound.

Make sure that your animals are wearing a collar or harness with an up-to-date identification tag – just in case.

Finally, do contact local authorities and request that they switch to silent fireworks or laser light shows, which deliver all the splendour but none of the loud noises of conventional fireworks displays, sparing companion animals and wildlife much stress and trauma over the festive period.

Jennifer White, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals