News
Whiz-pup! Dogs Trust issues firework advice to help owners support their dogs
One in five people in Wales affected by fireworks as charity urges calm and preparation
DOGS TRUST is urging pet owners across Wales to take steps to keep their dogs safe and calm as Bonfire Night approaches, with new research showing the impact fireworks have on both people and pets.
The charity’s survey found that one in five people in Wales are negatively affected by fireworks, and of those, 93% say the noise causes distress to animals. With displays set to light up the skies over the coming days, experts at Dogs Trust have issued practical guidance to help owners prepare.
Plan a cosy night in
Owners are advised to stay at home with their pets if possible. Closing curtains, turning on lights, and playing television or music can help to mask the sound of fireworks.
Dom Burke, Behaviour Policy Officer at Dogs Trust, said:
“It’s really worrying to hear that so many owners report firework-related distress in their pets, but there are steps owners can take over the next few days to try to reduce the impact of fireworks on their dogs.
“One of the best things you can do is to stay calm yourself, as this will help your dog to stay relaxed. Close the curtains, turn on the TV or radio, and prepare for a cosy night in with your dog.”
Try ‘Soft Sounds for Dogs’
Dogs Trust has launched a specially curated playlist called Soft Sounds for Dogs, designed to mask fireworks and encourage relaxation. The low-tempo, gentle music is available to stream now on Spotify, YouTube, and the Dogs Trust website.
Avoid going out after dark
The charity recommends walking and feeding dogs earlier in the day, before fireworks begin, so they can settle safely indoors. Creating a quiet, enclosed space can also help, giving dogs a place to retreat if they become frightened.
Even pets who have never shown fear before can react badly to fireworks, so preparation is key.
Stay calm and secure your home
Dogs can bolt when frightened, so owners are urged to check that doors, windows, and fences are secure. While some dogs may seek comfort and attention, others prefer to be left alone. Owners are advised to watch for cues and respond accordingly.
“If your dog has previously shown signs of distress, get in touch with your vet to discuss whether medication might help them cope during this stressful time,” added Mr Burke.
Call for tighter firework controls
Dogs Trust is also calling on the UK Government to review current firework legislation, urging restrictions to licensed public events at certain times of the year. The charity believes this would help reduce unnecessary suffering and allow pet owners to prepare properly.
Further advice and resources are available on the Dogs Trust website.
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, caring for more than 11,000 dogs each year across 21 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin. The charity has a strict non-destruction policy and works to ensure every dog can live a happy life, free from fear and abandonment.
Local Government
Clean-up after yacht wrecked on rocks at Lower Town, Fishguard
A YACHT that ran aground on rocks at Lower Town in Fishguard is being cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council after debris washed onto the shoreline.
Council officers attended the scene to assess the situation and begin removing wreckage after the vessel was found stranded among the rocks.
Heavy machinery was brought in to help clear debris from the beach, with workers seen dismantling parts of the damaged yacht and removing material that had scattered along the shoreline.
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the incident and has issued a Notice to Mariners, warning of the potential presence of floating debris in the surrounding waters.
The notice advises vessels navigating in the area to exercise caution while clearance work continues.
No further details about how the yacht came to run aground have been released.
Cover pic:
Council workers clear debris from a yacht that ran aground at Lower Town, Fishguard.
Community
Sea Cadets receive grant, donation and celebrate World Book Day
MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.
The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.
The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.
Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.
Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.
During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.
The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.
Local Government
Petition calling for clean rivers policy wins unanimous support at County Hall
A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a stronger Clean Rivers Policy has received unanimous support from councillors at County Hall.
The petition, backed by environmental campaigners and community groups, was presented during a meeting of the council on Thursday (Mar 6). Supporters in the public gallery applauded after councillors expressed their backing for the proposals.

The presentation was delivered by James Harrison-Allen, representing The Cleddau Project, a volunteer-led initiative focused on protecting and restoring the River Cleddau and its surrounding environment.
Campaigners said the atmosphere inside the council chamber was “extraordinary”, with councillors from across the political spectrum voicing support for improving river protection measures in Pembrokeshire.

The petition calls for the council to adopt a clearer policy aimed at improving water quality and tackling pollution affecting local rivers.
Supporters say pollution from multiple sources, including agricultural run-off and sewage discharges, has placed increasing pressure on rivers across Wales, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.
Following the presentation, councillors backed the petition unanimously, prompting applause from members of the public and campaign supporters in attendance.
The campaign has drawn support from a number of environmental organisations including West Wales Rivers Trust, River Action UK, and the Campaign for National Parks.
Representatives from several organisations and public bodies were also acknowledged by campaigners, including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as local political representatives Henry Tufnell MP, Samuel Kurtz MS, and Paul Davies MS.
Campaigners say the decision marks an important step in raising awareness of river pollution issues affecting the Cleddau catchment and wider waterways across Pembrokeshire.
The Cleddau Project said the outcome was “a great day for the Cleddau” and praised the work of volunteers and supporters who have helped drive the campaign forward.
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