Dear sir, My name is Sam the Scruff. I'm a dog and I live in Otumoetai. I'm writing this to let you know how scary the fireworks are.
Every night this week, there's been banging and flashes and loud whistling and more banging going on, long into the night.
I shake and pant and dribble; and my whole body is wracked with uncontrollable fear as I hear the loud noises all around me.
My owners try to comfort me, but it's really scary. It's also very tiring and exhausting, especially when it's night after night. If I was a human I would sign the petition to ban fireworks sales to individuals and just put up with the controlled displays two or three times a year.
My owners have signed it, but I'd like your readers to know how traumatised we dogs get when the fireworks go off each year.
It's not a pretty sight when I'm afraid. Does anyone know if anything can be done to help us with this?
Sam the Scruff,
On behalf of Tauranga's pets,
Otumoetai.