THE Guide Dogs for the Blind Association wants the New Year to start with a bang, but we appeal for sensible use of fireworks.

The festive season is a time of great joy, but for guide dogs and their owners it can be very traumatic. Fireworks can be a nightmare for animals.

Many guide dogs are so terrified that they have to be sedated during the festive period. Some are unable to work for days at a time. Worse, some are even forced into early retirement and never recover from the trauma of fireworks that explode at close range.

Guide dogs occupy a crucial place in the lives of blind or partially-sighted people. Currently nearly 5,000 guide dog owners enjoy the freedom and independence they provide.

We appeal to everyone to be sensitive to the effect that sudden noises can have on animals.

GERALDINE

PEACOCK,

Guide Dogs for the

Blind Association.