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 October 26, 2007,
VANCOUVER –
Halloween is a lot of fun for children, but it can be a terrifying time, and
even a dangerous one, for many pets says The Humane Society of Canada (HSC). The national animal charity is asking that
people ensure that their animal companions don't suffer during Halloween.
"While animal protection organizations have been
effective in getting the word out about protecting black cats at Halloween, we need
to be as effective about warning
people with pets about more common Halloween hazards," states Al Hickey, HSC
Western Regional Director.
According to Hickey many pets are terrified by the frequent,
loud sounds of excited children, ringing doorbells and knocks at the door.
"Dogs, cats and other animals aren't used to the
constant commotion outdoors and children arriving at the doorstep every few
minutes," continues Hickey. "Some animals become very frightened
while others get excited and try to greet their young visitors."
HSC Executive
Director Michael O'Sullivan, whose family includes several dogs and cats, wants
people to realize what their pets may be going through and to take the
appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and comfort.
 "Don't keep pets outdoors during Halloween and ensure
that they have a safe, quiet place inside where they aren't frightened by all
of the noise and excitement and where they cannot escape through the constantly
open door," says O'Sullivan. "A quiet, inner room where they can't
hear much of the noise from trick-or-treaters usually is effective. Putting a
radio or television on in the room can also be effective."
O'Sullivan also recommends that people out trick-or-treating
leave their pets at home.
"A dark October right where numerous excited children
in scary costumes are going from house to house isn't a good time to take your pet
for a walk," suggests O'Sullivan.
11 Do's & Don'ts for Protecting Pets at Halloween
- DO keep pets indoors in a safe,
comfortable, quiet location and check on them frequently.
- DO keep pets away from Halloween
decorations and tell children not to share any candies with their furred
friends.
- DO ensure that pets always have
effective identification. The Humane Society of Canada offers free pet ID.
The
Pet Recovery Team reunites lost
pets with their families through a special network which includes giving
each one of your pets an id tag bearing your pet's name and your contact
telephone numbers. On the other side of the tag, is a unique serial number
keyed to each one of your pets' information, complete with The Humane
Society of Canada's toll free number, which works from anywhere in the
world.
- DO take a pet suspected of
ingesting a harmful item or substance immediately to
a veterinarian.
- DON'T allow pets to eat any treats and educate children not to give candies to
pets – chocolate and other candies can be toxic
to pets, and the wrappers can
be harmful if swallowed
- DO educate others about looking
out for pets and other animals at Halloween.
- DON'T dress animals up in costumes as
many pets find this uncomfortable and stressful.
- DON'T leave pets outdoors during
Halloween.
- DON'T take pets trick-or-treating. If
you must take them, ensure they have effective ID and are safely confined
on a leash.
- DON'T let animals near candles and
other dangerous items and decorations often around at Halloween.
- DON'T ignore animals in need. Report
animal abuse and neglect to
local authorities or The Humane Society of Canada at 1-800-641-KIND
(5463).
CONTACT: Al
Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND or Michael on his cell
phone (416) 876-9685 or at www.humanesociety.com
[For more than 17 years, Al Hickey
was the Chief Executive of the BC SPCA and before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers
of Commerce, and the Executive Director
of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He has 6 grandchildren.
A father with two children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has
worked across Canada
and in over 100 countries during the last 40 years helping people, animals and
nature.]
The Humane Society of Canada works to
protect dogs, cats, horses, birds, livestock,
lab animals, wildlife and the environment. They carry out hands on
programs to help animals and nature,
mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through hard hitting undercover
investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals, funds non-invasive scientific research,
support animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres and spread the word
about how to help animals and nature
through humane education.
A registered charity, The Humane Society of Canada depends
entirely on donations to support our
programs to help animals and the
environment. All donations are gratefully acknowledged with a receipt for
income tax purposes. If you would like to
support our campaign to protect
animals and the earth, please make a donation here. Because when it
comes to fighting cruelty, we don’t
give up. Ever.
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