The owner of a beloved guinea pig is mourning after she died due to stress after several loud fireworks were let off in Swindon.

Cracker, who was six years old, was found dead on the morning of Guy Fawkes Day, November 5.

“My husband found her, and she had been dead for quite a while as she was very cold and stiff,” explained Cracker’s owner, 47, who did not wish to be named.

Guinea pigs usually live to around eight years of age and Cracker would have been no exception according to her owners.

“She was in good health. It is a real loss for our family, both our daughters loved her to bits,” they explained.

“She was a beautiful animal and so very friendly, always there to greet you.”

The family live on Wheeler Avenue in Upper Stratton and noted how much louder the fireworks in the area had been on the night of Cracker's death.

“It was horrendous our way for a week. It is always bad but this was particularly worse,” explained the family.

“Our daughter’s window was shaking; it was like being in a warzone.”

The family also have a 16-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who was affected by the loud noises.

“Our dog is fully deaf and even he was shaking all night. I didn’t go to bed until I felt comfortable that he would be okay,” explained the family.

When the Adver contacted Swindon Borough Council for comment, they referred us to the plea from last year regarding Bonfire Night.

The council said at the time: “Swindon Borough Council is making the plea, so people think of their neighbours, pets and local wildlife before setting off loud fireworks.

“If planning to let off any fireworks, let neighbours know in advance so they can plan for pets that might be affected.

“On nights where fireworks are being let off, keep dogs and cats inside with somewhere to hide and give small outdoor pets extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in.”

Despite all the guidance and advice put out, many are left traumatised by bonfire nights up and down the country, with Cracker’s family being no exception.

They said: “It is so uncalled for to have fireworks for weeks. It should be in a proper display, not a residential area.”

“It certainly puts you off having any other animals in the future.”