The RSPCA is calling for people to restrict their use of fireworks amid concerns for distressed animals.

More than 60 pet owners in the county have called the charity about the issue in the past five years, making it one of the most affected areas in England.

It now wants to see the private use of fireworks restricted to Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

It would also like the maximum noise level of public sale fireworks to be reduced to 97 decibels.

The current allowed level - 120 decibels - is equivalent to a jet aircraft taking off, and above the human pain threshold for noise.

The RSPCA's recent DogKind report found that 38% of dogs fear loud noises, including those caused by the popular displays.

Other household pets, horses and farm animals may also be startled by the sudden bangs, or flashes of bright light.

Frightened animals can injure themselves on fencing and equipment, or fixtures and fittings within their enclosures.

Wildlife can even burn alive after making their home inside a bonfire.

A change.org petition, set up by Julie Doorne from the FAB Firework Abatement Campaign, has already generated more than 20,000 signatures.

RSPCA campaign manager Eloise Shavelar said: "Clearly there is widespread public concern about this issue as can be shown by the previous petitions backed by the RSPCA.

"There is current legislation in place but the RSPCA believes the Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks regulation 2004 doesn’t go far enough.

"We want to see the UK Government take advantage of the public’s feeling on this by strengthening the existing acts and restricting the use of fireworks to traditional days of the year.

"We are not calling for a restriction to public displays but it is the unexpected noise which owners cannot plan for that we want to stop."

For advice on how to care for a distressed animal visit www.rspca.org.uk

To sign the change.org petition, click here.