News Release 2004
Keep Pets Safe Indoors while Trick-or-Treating
This press release is also available in PDF format.
October 27, 2004
For immediate release
While families typically love to share festive occasions with their furry friends, Hallowe'en is one event Fluffy and Rover should probably sit out. The Ottawa Humane Society encourages pet owners to take the following precautions for their animals to ensure that they remain safe:
- Leave the family dog at home while trick-or-treating. Even dogs who are normally very sociable and relaxed may become difficult to handle during the noise and confusion of the festivities. If they get loose, they may dart into traffic or become lost.
- Parents should keep their children away from strange animals. Animals are easily frightened at the sight of noisy, costumed children and may bite.
- Keep all pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Hallowe'en activities. Keep your animals in an enclosed area, away from the ringing doorbell and commotion.
- Make sure your pets are properly identified - preferably with a microchip, collar and tag-in case of accidental escape! Frequently-opened doors provide a great opportunity for animals, especially cats, to run out of the house unnoticed.
- If your cat routinely goes outside, keep it inside for the days around Halloween. Cats, especially black ones, may be the target of pranksters.
- Don't share your candy with your pets! Candy can be harmful to animals, and chocolate is toxic to dogs. Any change in an animal's regular diet can lead to digestive upset.
- Keep your animals away from lighted pumpkins. Flames in jack-o-lanterns and candles can quickly singe, burn or set fire to a pet's fur.
If you observe an animal in immediate distress or danger, please contact the Ottawa Humane Society's Emergency Animal Protection Services at 725-1532.
For media enquiries, contact:
Sharon Miko, Outreach Manager
725-3166 ext. 261 or 277-3125 (cell)
