Las Fallas goes pet-friendly: Valencia introduces quiet hours for dogs

Ahead of Las Fallas, city authorities, with the Official College of Veterinarians, are presenting an initiative that protects pets from the noise of firecrackers.

The official Las Fallas regulations once again include so-called “quiet hours”, periods during which residents are advised not to use fireworks, allowing pet owners to walk their dogs in peace. This year, quiet hours are set from 9:00 to 10:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00.

The College of Veterinarians runs a campaign featuring green bandanas for pets. Dog owners are encouraged to tie a green bandana around their dog’s neck to signal that the animal is sensitive to loud noises. The idea is simple: if people see a dog wearing a green bandana, they are expected to refrain from setting off firecrackers nearby.

The campaign, which goes under the slogan “Green bandana, calm walk”, aims to reduce the stress levels of animals during Las Fallas. To date,  170 veterinary clinics have joined the initiative.

According to a study conducted by the College’s veterinarians among 774 dog owners, 41% of dogs are frightened by sounds that do not bother their owners. In 37% of cases, the dog’s fear mirrors the owner’s reaction. Of those animals, around a third take at least an hour to recover from stress, while 11% remain affected for almost the entire day.

La Cotorra has previously reported in detail on how the noise of firecrackers during Las Fallas affects dogs, as well as on ways owners can help their pets cope.