Bonfire Safety

Tartan_Fluffy, October 21, 2012; 10:00 / FB 6051
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BONFIRE SAFETY

Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November.

Where a failure to murder parliament is celebrated by explosions, because, go figure.

Even if most people these days would probably support blowing it up, there's still going to be bonfires and fireworks across Britain, and there are important things to remember with regards to Fluffies. Your pet fluffy is much like any other pet in some ways, but you will also need to take a few further precautions. Likewise, ferals and strays can pose some problems for your Bonfire Night Celebrations. This guidebook will hopefully get you and your Fluffy friends through the night unscathed. And even if you don't own a Fluffy, this advice will hopefully prevent any problems that may be caused by wild Fluffs.

Much of this advice also applies New Year celebrations, and other fireworks events.

1 - DOMESTIC FLUFFIES
As Domestics are the main worry that spurred the creation of this document, we will begin by covering how to watch out for your pets.

Like cats and dogs, you are advised to keep your Fluffy indoors, with the windows closed, during the night itself. However, up until and for a few nights after, it is an undeniable fact that fireworks are set off at random by others. Use caution on the time approaching the night and afterwards.

General Advice
Try to keep the Fluffies in their safe room if you have one, or the most sound-proofed room in your dwelling. Another alternative is a "Safe Box", which will be discussed later.

If using a safe room and previously not letting the fluffies wander your home, you should already be prepared as long as it is sound-proofed. If Fluffies only use the safe room for sleeping, try to adjust towards making the safe room their only place, at least temporarily. Their poor memories should aid you here. Feed them there, put their litterbox there, leave all their toys there, and try not to let them out of the room often and eventually, never let them out at all until bonfire night has passed. Consider making the safe room into a temporary den for yourself as well if it is not already: Move a laptop or netbook into the room so the Fluffies will not be lonely, and remove it when you are not present.

If you wish to use a "Safe Box", you will need to be extra-cautious. Safe Boxes are usually large (at least a metre square) crate-like devices, sound-proofed and with some limited environmental controls. There are many models of safe box on the market. High-end models contain a number of features that may lead to a very easy transition: built-in radios and televisions, various qualities of air conditioning, perfumed pretty smells being emitted into the box, even semi-automated litterboxes that will remove poopies and peepees, to the delight of the Fluffies once they are used to them.

However, Fluffies that have not been raised in such settings may mistake even the more expensive devices for sorry boxes or punishment. You may wish to follow similar rules as above with regards to making safe rooms a temporary 24-hour shelter for the Fluffies. Adding extra toys and being gentle with the Fluffies is advised, especially if you have to purchase a lesser-equipped or smaller sized model of Safe Box.

Please also exercise caution in the suitability of a safe environment for the specific types of Fluffy you may have.

The golden rule is patience. Do not raise your voice, do not make them feel they are being punished, and ensure you reward them for obeying you and being good. Do what you can to dispel any worries the Fluffy may have, and work with your Fluffy to prevent problems

Foals/Younger Fluffies (Under Six Months) and their parents
Foals and Younger Fluffies should not be separated from parents where possible. Extra caution should also be taken during the firework season if the Fluffies are not in a sound-proofed environment, as any loud noise will panic younger fluffies far more, and cause domino effects with older Fluffies without swift intervention.

Younger Fluffies will be quicker to adapt to changes in environment, and it may be that their parents will follow the lead of their offspring instead and more quickly adapt. However, the reverse is true, that the concerns of parents may cause the younger Fluffies to become agitated and fearful. It is advised you try to keep the family as happy as possible, and refrain from worrying too much yourself: Fluffies aren't very bright compared to most humans, but they are still perceptive enough to know when something is wrong.

Also be cautious with the ratings of a Safe Box if using one. Some boxes are not suitable for foals, whilst others are built specifically for families.

Older Fluffies without Foals
Older Fluffies will largely follow your orders and instructions. Ensure that any concerns of theirs are addressed, be patient, and ensure that what you are doing is not a punishment, and that the Fluffies know it is for their safety.

Pregnant Fluffies, attendants, and/or the expectant father (where applicable)
The high-stress factor of Firework Season can be disastrous for pregnant fluffies. Ensure that the pregnant fluffy, no matter how far along, has someone with her at all times, even if it's just the father or a friend-fluffy. Fluffsplosions through stress and fear can happen at ANY point, as can premature birth.

The stress factors also have added risks to the process of trying to ensure safety. A pregnant fluffy would likely be better off going into such conditions for her and her foals safety even in normal times, but the fear that this change can cause should be measured carefully. Try to go slowly, be patient, ensure the Fluffies know it is for the good of the babies, and that they are all rewarded for doing the right thing.

Nonetheless, you should be prepared for the worst. Have foal formula ready in case of accidents, and be ready to give support to surviving Fluffies should tragedy strike. Also ensure that the room or container the mare is kept in is easy to clean and that nothing that could be stained is left in the room.

Some safe boxes are specially built for pregnant mares, having built-in soothing music and smells, as well as a softer floor lining so that they do not feel uncomfortable being rolled around or waddling with swollen teats.

Fluffies Used To Fireworks
Some Fluffies may be used to the noise, and you might want to take them to see the fireworks. Follow these rules to prevent tragedy.

-NEVER take pregnant mares or younger foals outside during firework events. They MUST remain in a safe room, away from the noise.
-Ensure you keep your Fluffy on a leash at all times, or otherwise prevent it going near the fireworks being prepared for launch.
-Make sure that you are ready for any accidents the Fluffy may have. Even one that seems used to it may be startled by louder bangers.
-Keep them FAR AWAY from fire and sparklers.
-If the Fluffy becomes agitated, take them to a safer place as soon as possible.

2 - FERALS AND STRAYS

Ferals and Strays generally pose a safety and legal concern with regards to Bonfire Night. This advice should hopefully keep you safe, and within the letter of the law. However, you may also be concerned for Ferals and Strays during this time, and wish to assist them.

Bonfire Safety with regards to Feral or Stray Fluffies
Please ensure that you check any bonfires when constructing and before lighting to ensure that Ferals have not used it as a shelter. Please also ensure that Hedgehogs are not hibernating in the bonfire either.

If Hedgehogs have hibernated in your bonfire, you may wish to leave them be until nearer Bonfire Night. Feral Fluffies will avoid Hedgehogs (if they know what's good for them) and so the Hedgehogs will serve as a deterrent to the Fluffies.

Removing Fluffies from the bonfire is advised before lighting, not just for legal reasons that will be covered later, but for safety. The Fluffies may flee the flames, spreading them in the process, or in their panic may disturb a bonfire structure and collapse it, risking injury to humans in both cases.

Removing the Fluffies is relatively simple, and can be done with little risk to yourself and the Fluffies, but you may wish to call the RSPCA/SSPCA or another similar group to do the task for you. Please see the Legal Advice section for further clarification.

A Note on European Fluffies - Readers in Scotland and the North of England should be advised that the European Fluffy is somewhat easier to deal with. These creatures are generally far more fearful of humans, and checking your bonfire every couple of days will be enough to make sure that European Fluffies will stay away. They will also flee of their own volition if you make sure they know you know they are there, and will not need to be removed by yourself or the RSPCA/SSPCA in most cases.

Firework Safety with regards to Feral or Stray Fluffies
Some Ferals may be used to Fireworks. Others may even try to chase Fireworks you launch. To cover yourself legally, try to discourage any Fluffies from nearing the fireworks, and if one does get too close, retreat to a safe distance or prepare a bucket of sand or water. As long as you take all needed steps to prevent the Fluffy either going close, or from spreading further problems if it does, you should be fine both legally and in terms of safety.

Concern for Ferals and Strays
If you are concerned for a group of Ferals, Strays, or possibly even Domestic Fluffies, please notify the RSPCA, SSPCA, or licensed Fluffy Breeders. Do NOT attempt to take matters into your own hands. If you are concerned for a domestic Fluffy, perhaps speak to the owner and offer help, or advise them to seek advice from the RSPCA, SSPCA, or licensed Fluffy Breeders.

Legal Aspects with regards to Feral or Stray Fluffies
Under the Artificial Animals Act (2015) [Scotland] and Bio-Toy Rights Act (2016) [England and Wales, Northern Ireland], Fluffies are classified as either Artificial Animals or Bio-Toy Animals. In legal terms, this means they have similar, but not identical, rights to animals, and have added caveats onto their protection that adds the clause of "Public Interest."

Public Interest is the reasonable expectation the offence would be worth the attempt to get a conviction, would be likely to secure a conviction, and that the offence would be of a nature that was clearly cruel and malicious. In addition, if other offences are committed in the process, the likelihood of Public Interest increases.

In basic terms, this means that if the Police and Legal Services can prove you harmed or killed Fluffies with wanton cruelty and maliciousness, they WILL try and prosecute if it is deemed worthwhile. For most people, though, this means that dealing with Fluffies means you either need to refrain from killing, or try to do so as humanely and quickly as possible. Further legal advice on this matter can be obtained elsewhere, but with specific regards to bonfire night there are legal questions these laws raise.

First, it is a crime to deliberately ignite or target Fluffies with fire, explosives (without extermination licences), or fireworks. As this also poses safety and pollution concerns, prosecution is very likely if there is evidence.

Second, it means that there is concern about bonfires and nesting Fluffies. As long as you strive to do all you can to keep Fluffies out, you will be absolved of any issues should Fluffies be burned accidentally. If Fluffies escape a bonfire ablaze, extinguish them to prevent further injury or property damage. Call the RSPCA or SSPCA to help any injured Fluffies, or if you deem it necessary and are willing to do so, euthanise them yourself as swiftly and painlessly as you can.

Third, it means that you may be held culpable if you do not report any offences you see committed against Fluffies. Do NOT confront anyone committing an offence, simply call the police and report it, and go on your way.

Legality of Removing Feral or Stray Fluffies
Removing Feral or Stray Fluffies from an area to ensure they will not cause problems on Bonfire Night is relatively simple, but may have legal problems. It is advised you do not try and exterminate them yourself and that the RSPCA, SSPCA, or licensed Fluffy Breeders or Exterminators be summoned instead.

If you call any of the above groups, they will deem if removal or extermination would be the best pattern, and will commence whatever task is deemed the best solution. Most of the time they will select removal.

However, if you seek to remove them yourself, strive to minimise injury or harm to the Fluffies, and if it is unavoidable, minimise suffering for any injured or harmed Fluffies. If you have to kill a Fluffy, do it quickly and without malice. It is always better to summon professionals to do the task where possible.

GENERAL REMINDER: It is a potential criminal offence in Scotland, England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, to modify any pre-sold fireworks or explosives, or to manufacture fireworks or explosives, without a licence. Tying Fluffies to Fireworks or otherwise combining the two constitutes such a modification and furthermore is an additional violation of health and safety laws as well as pollution laws due to spreading artificial animal carcasses over a wide area.

It furthermore may constitute destruction of property if the artificial animal/bio-toy is not your own, and under the Artificial Animals Act (2015) [Scotland] and Bio-Toy Rights Act (2016) [England and Wales, Northern Ireland] may constitute animal cruelty even if the artificial animal/bio-toy is your own or a feral/stray.