SIR – With the new year increasingly welcomed in with fireworks celebrations, guide dog and other assistance dog owners are becoming worried about the safety of their animals, many of whom find the loud bangs associated with fireworks too much to bear.

Many readers will be aware the Fireworks Code reminds us to keep pets indoors on occasions like New Year when fireworks are expected to be used.

However, with fireworks now regularly being let off weeks before and after December 31, those who depend on assistance dogs for freedom and mobility find they are no longer able to lead an independent life.

They are often left housebound, fearing the impact of fireworks on their dogs’ health and ability to work.

Assistance Dogs UK – a coalition of the charities Guide Dogs, Canine Partners, Dogs for the Disabled, Hearing Dogs and Support Dogs – is asking readers to limit any firework celebration to New Year’s Eve, to attend organised displays or, alternatively, ensure that fireworks are let off well away from residential areas.

Limiting fireworks to organised displays allows the owners of assistance dogs to plan ahead for the well-being of their dogs and avoid unnecessary distress.

Alan Brooks, chairman, Assistance Dogs UK, c/o Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG