Pet owners flocked to Facebook on Monday morning in desperation after at least 10 Wagga pets went missing during Sunday night’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The RSPCA’s Lorraine Hamilton said dogs in particular are affected by the surge of loud noises on New Year’s Eve, often escaping from their owners’ backyards when they become spooked by fireworks.
“I couldn’t tell you over the years how many dogs I have handed back to people in body bags after New Year’s Eve,” she said.
“Because dogs get frightened, they get this shot of adrenaline.
“This gives them speed and strength, so they will go over fences they wouldn’t normally look at.”
Unfortunately, this year was no exception. Monday morning saw a surge of posts on the Wagga Lost and Found Animals and Wagga Neighbourhood Watch Facebook pages by residents who had woken up to find an unfamiliar animal in their yard.
Some pets were also spotted roaming the streets, with one woman commenting that her partner had a near encounter with a dog on Red Hill Road.
If your pet went missing during Sunday night’s fireworks display, you can contact the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter on 6971 4651.
