Keep your pet safe during NYE

Date published: 29 December 2023

Take on a few tips and tricks to keep your pets happy and safe this New Year’s Eve as Townsville rings in 2024 with two rounds of firework shows.

Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said there were a couple of things owners could do to keep their pets safe during New Year’s Eve.

“It’s important to look after your pets on New Year’s Eve as fireworks can be upsetting to animals like cats and dogs, and can sometimes cause them to want to escape from your home,” Cr Soars said.

“Cats and dogs often feel more secure in a small space, so pop them in a small room like the laundry or bathroom or in a crate if they’re crate-trained.

“If you stay calm, your pet is more likely to stay calm, so make sure you’re modelling relaxed behaviour for your animal.

“Please make sure your pet has its collar on with ID in the case that it bolts during fireworks, as this will assist vets and Council’s team to reunite you with your pet as soon as possible.

Firework shows will be visible from Riverway and The Strand at 8pm and The Strand and Magnetic Island at midnight Saturday 31 December.