On Thursday 27th October, leading pet charity, Blue Cross, will be installing a giant ECG monitor at Southbank Centre on Queen’s Walk. The EGC installation will mimic the increasing heart rate of a pet when they hear the sound of fireworks exploding.
Many pets can react negatively to the sound of fireworks, causing their blood pressure and heart rate to rise.
And with councils across London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Dundee, Glasgow and Cardiff axing their public firework events due to the cost-of-living crisis, Blue Cross fear a spike in private ‘at home’ displays this year – putting the health of our much-loved pets at risk.
Ahead of Fireworks Night, Blue Cross will be launching Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part – a new campaign urging the British public to re-think their plans to host or attend at-home fireworks displays this year, to help protect the health of our much-loved pets.
The giant 8ft 10in ECG monitor is being installed to raise awareness of the physical and mental stress that fireworks can cause pets to passers-by.
Behavioural experts and vets from the leading pet charity will be on Queen’s Walk at Southbank Centre throughout the day, to educate the public on the impact that fireworks can have on our furry friends, and to answer any questions they may have.
Becky Skyrme, Animal Behaviourist at Blue Cross, said: “Even though many people are somewhat aware of the impact fireworks have on pets, they may not understand the severity of the issue – leading them to prioritise fireworks over pet welfare – however, every year thousands of pets will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off.
“That is why we are excited to launch our Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part campaign on Thursday by constructing a giant EGC monitor to raise awareness of the shocking effect fireworks have on pets. We would like to invite Londoners to come down and visit Blue Cross at the activation to learn more about how we can enjoy fireworks but with our pet’s safety in mind.”
Blue Cross is a national charity that helps sick, injured, and homeless pets. We help thousands of pets in need every month, providing veterinary care, expert behaviour help, and find them loving homes, as well as advice on education for current or future owners and pet bereavement support. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
Members of the public can visit the giant ECG monitor between 08:00 – 23:00 on Thursday 27th October at Southbank Centre, Queen’s Walk, London.
