Cut the fireworks – for the animals’ sake

It is clear from research that using fireworks near animals is both cruel and inhumane.

According to www.friendsofthedog.com firework displays and celebrations bring confusion, anxiety and fear into the lives of animals, causing many to run away from their homes in an effort to escape the frightening detonations.

Invariably, when communities celebrate with fireworks, local shelters and other animal aid organisations are overwhelmed by the fallout, which manifests in an increased number of stray animals, and reports of injuries and trauma to animals.

Those animals reunited with their families must consider themselves fortunate. Many injured or terrified animals run away from their homes to escape the traumatising detonations of fireworks. Some are hit by cars and injured or killed, some are maimed for life, while others are never recovered alive.

Firework explosions can produce a blind panic in animals that can lead to serious injury, deep-rooted, debilitating fears, or even death. This is, in part, because the events do not last long enough for animals to become accustomed to the explosions. Moreover, the hearing of most animals are considerably more sensitive than that of humans.

In addition, animals that are too close to firework explosions often suffer significant burns and eye damage. Fireworks generate a noise level higher than that of gunshots (140 decibels) and low-level flying jets (100 decibels). Irreversible ear damage, such as tinnitus and loss of hearing in humans starts at the 80-decibel range.

Fireworks also produce light, noise and air pollution. The explosion of fireworks also releases poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, contaminating our natural environment. As a consequence, fireworks pose a hazard to wildlife living in or near areas where firework displays occur, as well as wildlife downwind.

And these chemicals are also hazardous to companion animals living in the area where they are detonated. In addition, we cannot forget humans with asthma and other health problems.

Dogs, cats, and other companion animals don’t understand that the terrifying loud bangs are a celebration. One can only imagine what they think, given how much more sensitive their hearing is than ours.

The need to protect both companion animals and non-domesticated animals from fireworks harm is exemplified in the numerous stories of suffering animal that people are left with after the smoke has cleared.

Consequently, it is not surprising that firework events generate larger numbers of stray animals, as well as an increase in reports of injuries and trauma to animals. For animals, fireworks are no cause for celebration – so choose the animals this year and refrain from setting off the fireworks.