Canine Injured by Vehicle After Being Startled by Fireworks

The owner of a dog incurred a veterinary expense of £9,000 after her pet was startled by a firework and subsequently ran into the path of a car. Eleanor Duncan had been walking her black cocker spaniel, Meg, in Liversedge, West Yorkshire, on 5 November, unaware of a nearby fireworks display. Meg fled, and after an extensive search, she was located two days later, suffering from a fractured hip and pelvis, along with significant abdominal injuries. Currently, she is recuperating post-surgery, and the animal charity K9-SAR, which assisted in the search for Meg, aims to collect sufficient funds to cover the costs. Ms Duncan recounted: “I was just getting into the van with Meg, I had taken the lead off and I didn’t realise there was a firework display about to start. “The bangs started to go off and she just bolted.” She stated that she contacted local animal search groups via Facebook, and described the number of individuals who assisted in the search as “too many to thank”. She added, “People were coming out of their houses to help me, until about 3.30 in the morning.” Ms Duncan expressed that the quantity of fireworks discharged around Bonfire Night was “too much”. She commented, “I know everybody likes fireworks, but the effect that it is having now, it isn’t just a couple of days, it’s affecting too many animals.” Meg underwent life-saving surgery at Chantry Vets in Wakefield. Lisa Flood, the surgical director, confirmed that Meg’s condition was critical upon arrival but noted she is now experiencing a positive recovery. Jason Sykes, a volunteer with K9-SAR, highlighted that fireworks can lead to numerous issues for pets. He stated, “This has been one of our busiest years for dogs getting spooked by fireworks.” He advised dog owners to “be vigilant”. He recommended, “If you can, try and go to an area that is quiet, keep your dog on a leash or a double leash. Keep them inside and put the tele on, to keep them calm.” He mentioned that the fundraising efforts were progressively increasing, with £3,000 already contributed towards the £9,000 goal.