The Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is reminding pet owners not to take their animals out trick-or-treating or to the community fireworks events.
Julie Desgroseillers, shelter manager for RAPS, told the News there was a spike last year in the number of strays coming into the care of the animal charity around Halloween time.
Nine scared animals, both cats and dogs, were handed into RAPS by members of the public or its own animal welfare officer last Halloween.
“It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you consider we don’t really get more than two or three on any other given day, it is quite a number,” said Desgroseillers.
“Thankfully, they were all reclaimed by the end of the week and it was good that they had a safe place to come to.”
Desgroseillers said the animals were suffering from varying degrees of trauma, depending on the temperament of the breed.
“We would, obviously, encourage people not to take their dogs out to events on Halloween,” she added.
To deal with the expected influx, RAPS is this year extending its animal control hours to 9 p.m. from the usual 6 p.m.
Other tips from RAPS include:
* Keep animals indoors: While the front door may be opening constantly as trick-or-treaters demand loot, be sure that all pets are carefully and safely secured in a part of the house where they cannot escape;
* Make sure your pet has ID: Get your dog tagged or chipped for identification;
* It’s not just one night: Halloween may be Oct. 31, but firecrackers and other explosive noises entertain young (and sometimes older) folks for days before and after. Be prepared to take precautions after Oct. 31;
* Watch what your pets eat;
* Costumes aren’t always fun: Costumes can be traumatizing for some animals, restricting their movement and choking them.
