Dog owners, farmers and animal rescuers are calling for loud fireworks to be banned due to the anxiety they cause livestock and wildlife.

Kathy Martin, of Minster Road, Sheppey, lost one of her beloved dogs, Betty, to stress caused by someone's back garden firework display.

The 91-year-old said: "She wasn't too old when she died but the fireworks sort of played on her.

"I was living in London at the time and my next door neighbours had some going off in their garden.

"The bangs made Betty really jumpy and she had a fit of some sort and sadly she went, no more Bet.

"All the stress of it is what done it. It took a little while for Betty to die bless her but it was horrible."

Luckily Kathy's current dog, Charlie, is deaf and doesn't suffer from any anxiety across firework heavy celebrations such as Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve.

However, her son's dog, Twix, gets very upset when fireworks are let off nearby.

She said: "We should never ever think of ourselves when we're enjoying the fireworks, we should think of the poor animals.

"Not just cats and dogs, but every animal.

"You get a bang, and the birds will fly away. I mean it is silly.

"If I was the law I would say 'no bangers allowed', only pretty, silent ones that the people can look up to and say 'oh, isn't that lovely'."

Founder of Curly's Farm on Sheppey, Kyle Ratcliffe, agrees with the great-great-great grandmother.

He fears some of his sheep will miscarry their lambs due to the stress caused by fireworks this year.

The 44-year-old dad said: "People are quick to moan about those complaining about fireworks, especially farmers.

"But fireworks can harm livestock.

"We have ewes that are due to give birth in December, if they get stressed because of the fireworks they could abort their lambs.

"This could leave us with less produce which will then mean we'd have to put our prices up.

"That will affect the public, especially if this is something happening further afield.

"There could be a shortage of food in the months to come."

Animals on the charity's land include cows, pigs, goats and many other species of livestock which react to danger by running away.

Kyle said: "When a firework goes off we can have 70 sheep bolting in one direction and thousands of tonnes worth of cows hurtling towards a fence.

"Because of this we lock our animals away to not only protect them but other people who live nearby the farm.

"It isn't what we want to do but we're often left with no other choice.

"I get having fireworks for celebrations like Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve but allowing people to buy them from a supermarket isn't ideal.

"They can just let them off whenever they feel like it with no warning, that's why I think firework displays should just be left to the professionals."

Kyle and his team also have to herd up the farm's cats and lock them all in the barn to save them from running away and potentially being killed.

He finished: "This time of year is a time to have fun and celebrate with fireworks but for people with livestock it is a nightmare.

"People should also remember that what goes up does come down, just like with sky lanterns, fireworks can cause fire and leave rubbish behind.

"This can seriously harm animals and wildlife.

"I think we should invest in silent fireworks, we don't go to displays for the loud bang we go to see the beautiful colours in the sky.

"Having no noise won't ruin that experience."

Billy Devitt, owner of Wisteria Cat Rescue in Walderslade, thinks people should still be able to have fun with fireworks – just with more consideration.

The 31-year-old said: "When fireworks are let off it does affect the charity and all the cats here.

"It is distressing, the cats stop eating and it is really upsetting to watch.

"I'm all up for fun and fireworks but I think in order to protect our animals, people with PTSD and children who dislike the loud bangs, we should only have professional displays.

"It isn't the lights of the fireworks but the noise, so perhaps people can purchase the silent fireworks, that should be the way forward."

Billy suggests cat owners make sure there are plenty of hiding spaces around their home when fireworks are going off.
Playing Classic FM to soothe them is also a way to calm your cats.

He finished: "I know you will never please everyone with this discussion but now until the end of December is every animal rescue's worst nightmare.

"Fireworks also leave rubbish after they've been set off and that means they are also causing issues for our wildlife, not just pets.

"If my words stop just one person from buying more fireworks that's good.

"People also need to be educated on the dangers and look at the bigger picture."

Swale council suggests those looking to purchase fireworks should opt for the silent option.

A spokesman said: "We can receive more lost dog reports during firework season and they tend to be dogs that are left unaccompanied in back gardens and have been spooked by the loud noises.

“You can help support your dog by walking them during daylight hours, keeping windows closed at night and turning up the TV or radio to drown out the noise.

"There are also a variety of calming sprays or pheromone diffusers available to help keep them calm. Staying home to comfort your pet could also help ease their anxiety.

“We recommend people buy low noise, quiet or silent fireworks where possible so they can still enjoy time with their family while keeping pets and other animals safe.”