Fireworks

Staffy Luna escapes after fireworks fright 

Dagmara and her 7-year-old Staffy Cross rescue dog, Luna, had been together for six years, following Luna’s adoption. Until firework season destroyed their family dynamic. 

On November 9th 2024, Luna scaled an almost 6-foot fence, during daylight, to escape from the garden after being startled by fireworks. Dagamara later received a phone call to say that Luna had been hit by a train in her attempt to flee her fright.

Luna, a golden staffy cross dog, asleep on a sofa.

Content warning

Please note that this story contains descriptions of a fatal accident and the emotional impact on the dog's owners.

Luna had a history of anxiety

As a rescue dog, Luna had a history of anxiety. Dagmara knew Luna struggled during the fireworks season and did everything she could to make sure she was protected – including using sedatives up to bonfire night to help reduce her fear. 

Sadly, Dagmara couldn’t predict how severely the sound of fireworks would affect her beloved dog.

Luna, a golden staffy cross dog, asleep snuggled on a sofa.

She was anxious, but she was also happy. We made her feel safe here at home, and yet one firework undid all that. To think she was trying to escape from our home out of fear is just devastating.

Dagmara, owner of 7-year-old rescue dog, Luna

Fear saw her scale a six-foot fence

Greater Manchester Lost Dog Rescue and Capture team, as well as National Highways and Network Rail's response unit all helped look for Luna.

Unfortunately, after a day of searching, Dagmara received a call that upended her world.

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“We identified her by the railway track”

On November 10th, the next day, National Highways rang Dagmara to say they’d found a dog that matched Luna's description under Swinton Hall Bridge in Greater Manchester.

Dagmara instinctively knew it was her Luna. “I keep replaying the incident in my mind, all roads from my home take me by Swinton Bridge.”

Dagmara and her partner had the distressing job of identifying Luna who had been hit by a train in her bid to escape the noise.

This could so easily have been avoided. It’s so upsetting. I wouldn’t want it to happen to another animal and their owner – yet we know it does every year.

Dagmara, owner of 7-year-old rescue dog, Luna

“I struggle to find the words”

Left heartbroken and lost for words, Dagmara demands better for all animals and their owners, so none have to experience the loss and devastation that she and her partner endured.

“I hope that legislation does change – this is not just about animals and their owners, the issue is much broader.” 

From pets and their owners to wildlife and livestock, something as seemingly simple as a firework celebration event can disrupt and damage everyday lives, tearing animals away from their homes, their loved ones, their lives.

As Dagmara said – it’s time for change.

Luna, a golden staffy cross and her owner, Dagmara.

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