To be honest, I find it a little disgusting that the English burn an effigy of a Catholic annually.

In Ireland, fireworks are illegal; however, the law is no longer particularly well enforced.

I'd be all for a proper ban, and a big fireworks display run by professionals in the centre city - was at one of those for… hmm… maybe the Dublin Millennium, celebrating the city's 1,000th year, and it was great fun - music, dancing, fireworks, and all safe and controlled.

Best thing for frightened dogs is a Thundershirt - you can buy them online. My late dog was utterly terrified, and a Thundershirt completely calmed her.