Good News: Drone Light Shows Offer Dogs a Quieter Bonfire Week, and Perth Spaniels Are Said to Be ‘Very Interested’
A Fife town is putting on a drone display so dogs with a fear of fireworks can join in. Perth's pet owners would like one too.
A dog looking at the sky. It would prefer drones. Photo: CraigPattersonPhotographer, “Site of Sand Creek Massacre by Night, Looking Toward the Town of Kit Carson”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
With Bonfire Night on Thursday, there is good news for dogs that are frightened by fireworks: drone light shows, which create pictures in the sky without the loud bangs, are becoming more popular.
In Leven in Fife, a drone display has been arranged partly so that dogs with noise phobia, and their owners, can still enjoy the night.
Perth dog owners say they would welcome the idea. “My collie shakes for a week every November,” said a woman from Oakbank. “If there was a show that was all lights and no bangs, we’d both go. She’d probably want to herd the drones, mind.”
Vets say owners should prepare pets for fireworks by keeping them inside, closing curtains, playing music or the TV and making sure they have a safe place to hide.
A Perth man said he had already built a “bunker” for his Jack Russell under the stairs. “It’s got a blanket, a radio and a photo of me,” he said. “He’s taken the photo down. I’m trying not to take it personally.”
The real story: Perth and Kinross news (The Courier)
Letters to the Editor
The views expressed are those of the reader, and frankly that's on them.
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Bella watched a drone show video and wagged. First time she’s wagged at anything in the sky except a seagull with a chip.
— Wendy H., Letham, 1 November 2026 -
Drones are nice, but I’ll miss the big bang. I’m 74. It’s the only time I hear anything clearly.
— Pete C., Craigie, 1 November 2026 -
Lights and no bangs. My dog, my cat and my baby all agree. Me too.
— Jo M., Bridge of Earn, 1 November 2026
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