A PETITION is being launched to limit firework displays after the noise caused a dog to rip its own face off.

Staffordshire bull terrier Rocky had to be put down by owner Stan Abbey, 71, from Temple Hill Estate, Dartford, as his injuries were so bad.

His daughter Pamela Turley, 47, from Dartford, is launching the petition after receiving letters from pet owners across north Kent whose animals also suffer.

She wants fireworks to be regulated so they are only let off at public displays.

Mrs Turley, a housewife from Kingsley Avenue, has had eight emails, 17 letters, and is hoping to get about 3,000 signatures for her petition which she plans to take to the Prime Minister, in Downing Street.

She said: "Some of the stories in the letters are heart-breaking.

"A disabled woman told me her two love birds died from shock and a dog owner has to keep her pet doped up to the eyeballs for three months during the firework season so it doesn't go crazy.

"There are horses going mad in the fields and cats are also affected, not to mention the stress it causes pet owners themselves who are looking after the animals."

The petition has been placed at the grocer, in Temple Hill Square, Dartford, John Lewis in Bluewater, and at the vets in Meade Road, Dartford.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "It's a huge problem for animals , particularly dogs who can be in a state for weeks. The advice we give is to take the animal to the vet for a tranquilliser. It comes in a pill form and can be given if and when it is needed. This is the most effective remedy.

"Although, for some animals, it is enough to bring them inside and sit with them."

November 26, 2001 11:44

Ed Hadfield