YOU may get involved in the Halloween tradition of carving a pumpkin each year but not know what to do with it after.
It’s important that you get rid of your pumpkin properly as otherwise you might land yourself with a criminal record if you leave it for animals to eat.
You can’t give your pumpkin to certain animals[/caption]
Some people might put it in their general waste bin while others may put it out in their garden for wildlife to eat which could be illegal in some circumstances.
But, 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 wildlife.
Wiltshire Council warned residents to not to feed leftover pumpkins to some animals or they could face prosecution.
It is a criminal offence to give any type of food that may have come into contact with meat or milk products to farm animals and you could be landed with a fine.
This includes farm animals kept as 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.
However, you can still give your pumpkin to animals if you make sure you used new clean carving tools when you decorated it for Halloween.
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.
“This law was introduced to prevent the spread of diseases such as African Swine Fever.”
Elevating pumpkins
Some people have asked Halloween fans to make sure their pumpkins are elevated and not directly on the ground for the sake of hedgehogs.
Laura Ashby from the Chippenham Hedgehog Facebook group asked the public to ensure pumpkins are put on tables or windowsills so hedgehogs can’t eat them.
This is because pumpkins can be a laxative to the animals which can make them become dehydrated and can lead to death.
Leftover pumpkin ideas
Alternative options for your leftover pumpkins include composting it, using it as bird feed or leaving it for the creepy crawlies in your garden.
You can also plant your pumpkin seeds if you have a vegetable patch so you may have your own to carve the following year.
In order to feed the bugs in your garden you can chop the leftover pumpkin up and bury them 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.
