A DOG owner whose puppy suffered a fatal heart attack after being frightened by fireworks has urged restrictions to be brought in to prevent a repeat.

Susan Paterson’s four-month-old terrier Molly died in the early hours of Sunday morning after being ‘terrified’ for hours due to the loud bangs.

Susan, from Wombwell, said that she had bought Molly and her sister, Sally, for £400 each in the summer and urged people to think about pets before buying loud fireworks.

“It was horrendous and we’ve been reliving it all week because of how traumatic the night was,” said Susan. “I understand it’s tradition for people to set fireworks off but it should be done on Bonfire Night, not four or five days before.

“It’s terrible for most dogs and our ordeal shows just how bad it can be. I think fireworks should only be let off at mainstream events and action is needed immediately to prevent other pet owners from going through what we have.

“Molly was a beautiful puppy, playful and a lovely companion. Her sister, Sally, has been constantly on edge since and continues to look for her but won’t leave our side.

“Molly may be gone but she will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts.”

Susan, who posted about the incident on social media, has made the national headlines this week and urged people to sign a petition calling for a review of regulations around fireworks to protect animals.

According to the RSPCA, the charity has received more than 2,200 calls about fireworks since 2014 and is also calling for restrictions on public sales.

A spokesman added: “We’re extremely sad to hear of Molly’s death and our thoughts are with her family at this time.

“We see the impact of fireworks on animals every year and we know there’s strong public feeling, with more than 500,000 people signing petitions to restrict their use in recent years.

“We’re urging the government to act on this strength of feeling, which would support owners to help their animals cope at this time of year.

“We are calling for the public sale and use of fireworks to be limited to four specific celebration and festival dates – November 5, December 31, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

“There is current legislation in place but we believe the Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks Regulations 2004 don’t go far enough.

The public can help by writing to their local council to request restrictions on fireworks at a local level.”