Anyone that has ever lived in Dublin, or one of the big cities in Ireland, will know that Hallowe’en is a loud experience to say the least.

For pets, it can be a real nightmare.

The constant bangs and flashes can keep them on edge and make them anxious.

Natalia Soblechero at the Independant has put together a list of ways you can make sure things run as smoothly as possible.

She includes tips such as making sure you keep your pets inside and the universally good advice of making sure they are microchipped – then if they run away you will hopefully be reunited with them.

You can also watch this video by Pete The Vet at TV3.ie which includes more tips on looking after your pets at hallowe’en.

The ASPCA – No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents – is a great list of Hallowe’en tips including not giving your pet any treats like chocolate!

Useful websites:

• Vet advice: Hallowe’en trick, treat or trauma? – Natalia Soblechero – Independant.ie
• Pets and Hallowe’en – Pet The Vet – Ireland Am
• No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents – ASPCA

Compare pet insurance deals in Ireland at Pet Insurance Ireland.

Photo: Glen Bowman

Switzerland is holding a referendum on whether domesticated animals should have a right to be represented by a lawyer, seeing the country potentially becoming a leading exponent of animal welfare rights.

“Humans accused of animal cruelty can hire a lawyer or get one assigned but animals can’t,” said Antoine Goetschel, a lawyer quoted in the Times “Which is where I come in.”

Antoine Goetschel was appointed an “animal advocate” in 2007 by the canton of Zurich, a scheme which has been a success according to many. Over 100,000 signatures have been raised to expand the expirment futher.

However the government and farmers unions are against the idea, fearing it will lead to increased legislation.

A pet insurance expert from PetInsuranceIreland.com comments “Looking after animals is extremely important. We should do everything we can to improve the welfare of both pets and farm animals – who are all too often the forgotten victims of cruelty.”

Photo copyright Steve Punter