Dog killed in crash after fleeing fireworks in Leicestershire

Boogie Machin had owned Prosecco for six years

A dog who fled a family farm after becoming frightened by fireworks was killed when she was hit by a car, her owner has said.

Boogie Machin said seven-year-old lurcher Prosecco "disappeared" from the farm, between Waltham on the Wolds and Eaton in Leicestershire, at about 18:15 GMT on Saturday.

She was found dead on the side of the A607 the following day.

Ms Machin believes fireworks should only be allowed on Bonfire Night.

The 33-year-old, who also owns horses that are similarly afraid of fireworks, took in Prosecco as a 12-month-old rescue dog.

She said nearby loud bangs had sent her into a panic.

"She's always struggled to trust people and she's always been terrified of loud noises," Ms Machin said.

"She just got so frightened she disappeared and got hit by a car."

Ms Machin recalled spending hours driving around trying to locate the dog before someone she knew found her on a verge the next morning.

She described the loss of her pet as "heartbreaking".

Prosecco was found by the side of the A607 in Leicestershire the day after running away

Current legislation allows the public use of fireworks between 07:00 and 23:00 GMT every day.

On 5 November, they are allowed until midnight and on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, they can be set off up until 01:00.

Ms Machin said: "I've never liked fireworks for the fact they are noisy and I just think they should be for one night only of the year."

The laws around the sale and use of fireworks were debated by MPs on Monday following a petition - signed by more than 300,000 people - calling for more legislation.

Current legislation allows the public use of fireworks between 07:00 and 23:00 every day

The RSPCA launched a campaign ahead of Bonfire Night asking people to be more considerate of animals.

The charity said: "In the last five years, we've received 1,621 calls about fireworks and their effects on animals.

"We see heartbreaking videos and images of animals struggling to cope during fireworks and the stress it causes them.

"We want to see fireworks regulations changed to protect our pets, wildlife and farm animals."