Editor:
We all love our rural way of life.
Pets and livestock are a big part of that great life.
I’m begging you to please be respectful and neighbourly this Halloween and New Year’s Eve.
Animals do not like fireworks. Every year I have been injured trying to calm my horses down during those nights.
Horses can spook so badly they become dangerous to their surroundings and themselves.
There were many dog and horse casualties last year due to random fireworks from Hedley to Olalla.
It’s one thing as an animal owner to be prepared for a designated fireworks show, but completely different trying to hold onto horses that have been frightened and ramped up for five or six hours on a windy and slippery night.
Please talk to your children and your neighbours, so many new people have moved into the area and don’t even realize the effect fireworks can have on animals.
Please don’t set them off next to farms with animals, especially horses.
Please help educate others and spread the word.
Vera Roberts
Rural Keremeos