CREEPY CRIME
Is it illegal to feed leftover Halloween pumpkins to pets or wildlife?
A law was introduced to stop the spread of a highly contagious viral disease
HALLOWEEN fans love to decorate their homes with elaborately carved pumpkins.
But once the spooky day is over, can your leftover fruit be fed to your pets or wildlife?
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It's best practice to dispose of any waste properly otherwise you might land yourself with a criminal record.
So, we're providing you with the correct information so you know exactly what you need to do with your leftover pumpkin.
Criminal risk
This may come as a shock but you may get in trouble with the law if you leave your rotten pumpkins out for certain types of animal.
warned residents they could face prosecution if they feed leftover pumpkin to farm animals.
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It is a criminal offence to give them any type of food that may have come into contact with meat or milk products.
If you do, you could end up with a fine.
This includes farmyard pets, such as chickens, cows, sheep, goats or pigs.
The law was created to help prevent African Swine Fever being spread, which can be fatal to livestock.
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A spokesperson from Wiltshire Council said: "If you’re wanting to use your leftover pumpkins for farm animal feed, including pigs and chickens kept as pets, you must not carve it in a kitchen or use any implements such as knives and chopping boards, which have had contact with meat or products of animal origin (eg milk, cheese) due to the risk of cross contamination.
"If you do carve your pumpkin in your kitchen, do not offer it to someone to be used as farm animal feed."
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However, you can still give your pumpkin to animals if you used clean carving tools when you decorated it for Halloween - and make sure you've removed any decorations, such as a tealight.
Elevating pumpkins
Pumpkins are not a natural source of food for wildlife - and they're definitely not good news for hedgehogs.
People have asked Halloween fans to make sure their pumpkins are elevated and not directly on the ground for the sake of the spiky creatures.
Pumpkins should be placed on tables or windowsills so the hedgehogs can not eat them.
This is because pumpkins can be a laxative to the animals, which can make them become dehydrated and lead to death.
Safe disposal
You can safely dispose of your pumpkin in a food recycling bin if you have the facility.
If not, it can be popped in your general waste bin.
It's a great idea to chop up any large pumpkins before disposing of them.
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Leftover pumpkin ideas
When prepping your pumpkin for Halloween, you have to get rid of a lot of gunge and seeds.
But instead of getting rid of the seeds, why not hold onto them to plant in your vegetable patch next year.
Seeds can also be toasted and eaten as a tasty treat.
You can also chop up your fruit and make into a tasty treat such as pumpkin soup of pumpkin pie.
Alternative options for your leftover pumpkins include composting it, or leaving it for the creepy crawlies in your garden.
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In order to feed the bugs you can chop the leftover pumpkin up and bury it around 25cm down into your flowerbeds.
This way the beetles and worms in your soil can get a tasty snack.
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, pumpkins last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy sweets to give out as treats, clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting costs down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.
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