A CHARITY has warned all pet owners to keep their animals indoors to avoid fireworks over the coming weeks.

The RSPCA, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital have launched a joint campaign to raise awareness of animal safety and welfare as bonfire night approaches.

Among the advice given by the three organisations is not to use fireworks near animals and wildlife, and to make a den inside your home for pets to hide.

Pet owners are also urged to move any animals which are kept outside indoors at night, and make sure horses are protected from fireworks and consider stabling them on a night during the firework period.

Mark Gent, chief inspector at the RSPCA, said: "It is a very disturbing time for pets- they get extremely distressed when fireworks are going off and there are loud bangs outside.

"Anyone with an animal has to think responsibly about what they need to do and what actions they need to put in place to ensure the needs and the welfare of the animals are met.

"It can be a range of animals as well that need to be protected, such as horses - if they are out in the fields and there are loud bangs - and any animals in the house, even animals like rabbits.

"Any animals kept outside should really be brought in as well."

Mr Gent also encouraged anyone to get in touch if they wanted advice on how to protect their animals.

"There is a lot of things the public can do to ensure their pets are not scared at this time of year.

"Leave a radio or television on if you are going outside as the noise will mask the sound of the bang for the animals.

"Close curtains to avoid flashes, and you can also get medications and devices from vets that will help your animals be calm at this time of year."

As well as animals, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have issued advice for all parents to follow ahead of Halloween and bonfire night - particularly around fancy dress costumes.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "The design of costumes, often made with flowing robes or capes, means they can easily catch fire from a candle or flame and very quickly engulf a child in flames."