Moves to toughen up the control of fireworks may be too late for Chip the Jack Russell terrier.

For just days after helping to present a Downing Street petition on the subject, the dog has gone missing after bolting at the sound of a rogue firework.

Chip travelled to London last Tuesday with his 12-year-old owner Jamie Cook and his mother Liz.

The 90,000-signature petition was presented by TV's Top Gear presenter and dog-owner Louise Brady and the Animal Welfare Fireworks Coalition, including The Blue Cross, Guide Dogs and the RSPCA.

Then on Friday, Chip ran away in fear after hearing a firework while walking with Mrs Cook.

The 44-year-old nutrition adviser from Hanover, Brighton, said: "I had just gone to the vet to get some tablets to calm him.

"It was the middle of the day and someone let a firework off. We're distraught. I've searched all over Wild Park, but there's no sign of him.

"He's not a roamer but he may have completely freaked and run miles. We don't know where to start looking.

"Usually he's undeterred by noises but he's terrified of fireworks.

"It's not just for dogs we think the noise of fireworks should be controlled, it's for all wildlife and also children and babies who find it frightening.

"Fireworks do not need to be loud - the bang is added. Sometimes they're so loud they sound like bombs."

Chip had been going to schools with Mrs Cook, where she gives presentations to children on behalf of Animal Aid and the RSPCA.

She said: "He's such an easy and docile little dog. We're desperate to get him back and are offering a substantial reward to anyone who finds him to say thank you."

In September the Fireworks Bill received Royal Assent in the House of Lords.

Hove MP Ivor Caplin, a supporter of the campaign, said: "The fact this dog has gone missing identifies one of the issues that surround fireworks, particularly loud fireworks, in that they affect domestic pets.

"It's one of the key issues, and that's why new legislation is coming into effect.

"Some elements will come into effect in December and some in the New Year."

The RSPCA wants the Act to ensure only low-noise fireworks under 95 decibels - the sound of a door slamming - can be used at private displays, that fireworks can only be used at certain times of the year without a licence and public displays must be licensed.

This year the society staged a quiet fireworks display on the Thames.

RSPCA spokeswoman Klare Kennett said: "It must be extremely upsetting for the family and we hope Chip is found.

"Incidents like this happen all over the country because animals are quite simply terrified by the noise many fireworks make now."