The peak body for animal welfare says its not enough to make sure animals are secured during fireworks displays this New Year’s Eve – they need to be microchipped and registered as well.
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The RSPCA warning comes just days before the Bendigo skyline is set to light up with pyrotechnics.
City of Greater Bendigo tourism manager Terry Karamaloudis asked residents make sure pets could not escape during the displays, with fireworks notorious for frightening animals.
On New Year’s Day in 2015, 19 dogs were handed in to the RSPCA shelter in Bendigo.
But RSPCA Victoria chief executive officer Liz Walker said even secured pets could become desperate to escape the loud noises and bright lights, so it was essential animals were identifiable, registered and microchipped.
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Dr Walker said each New Year’s Eve the animal welfare organisation’s care centres received stray animals that had escaped homes in fear of fireworks.
“Having your pet microchipped gives you the best chance of it being reunited with you should your pet become lost or injured,” she said.
“Reuniting pets and owners can be done promptly when the beloved pet’s owner is easily identified.”
If it receives a lost pet, the RSPCA will scan the animal for a microchip as well as contact the council which it was found to see if the pet is registered.
To find out a microchip number, contact a veterinarian, council or animal welfare shelter who can scan your pet and supply you with its details.
