RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said it was “pleasing” that pet owners are observing advice and recommendations on how to best manage their pets during stressful disturbances such as pyrotechnics.

“Animals and fireworks simply do not mix,” Dr Walker said.

In total there were four dogs that were brought into the RSPCA Bendigo Animal Care Centre between Sunday evening and Tuesday morning.

Two of the four dogs have been reclaimed and the remaining two have been identified and they’re attempting to reconnect the pets with their owners. 

“We all love to celebrate the beginning of a New Year, but fireworks, particularly illegal displays, cause distress in many animals, including dogs, cats and horses.”

“We have stray dogs being brought into RSPCA Victoria shelters for up to a week into the New Year, so we encourage anyone who has lost their pet to keep checking their local council pounds, animal shelters and veterinary clinics.”

RSPCA Victoria is now busy processing all the stray dogs that have been brought into their shelters.

RELATED: Owners told to microchip, lock up pets ahead of NYE fireworks

The process includes scanning dogs for microchips and then searching databases in an effort to retrieve the dog’s details so they can track down the pet’s owner.

“A microchipped pet has the best chance of being reunited with its owner,” Dr Walker said.

“Last year we were able to use microchip information to reunite most of the dogs that came into our care because of New Year’s Eve fireworks, and we have already been able to reunite 38 animals with their owners in the last two days.”

“Our pets are part of the family, so it’s encouraging to see owners taking extra precautions to ensure their dogs are safely contained at this time of the year.”

If anyone finds a lost or distressed animal call RSPCA Victoria on (03) 9224 2222 or visit www.rspcavic.org.