Groups warn public: Firecrackers traumatize pets, bad for environment

MANILA, Philippines — Animal welfare and environmental groups are urging the public to use alternative ways to welcome the New Year, pointing out that firecrackers and fireworks’ explosions distraught and traumatize pets and likewise cause air pollution.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the EcoWaste Coalition also reminded the public that these pyrotechnic devices can be very “stressful and frightening” for cats and dogs since they have “a keen sense of hearing.”

“It brings about a terrified response from many dogs, and they could sustain serious and even fatal injuries just trying to get away from the deafening noise. There is usually an increase in reports of lost pets during the first week of January due precisely to pets escaping from the confines of their homes during New Year’s Eve after being spooked by firecrackers,” PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera said.

“The situation is even worse for strays who often find themselves with no safe space to hide in,” she added.

Moreover, she said that the smoke from these devices may also cause “anxiety, disorientation, loss of appetite, and an upset stomach” for pets.

“What is worse is if they accidentally eat remnants of the firecrackers as this will result in gastrointestinal problems – symptoms of which could be abdominal pain, blood diarrhea, and vomiting,” Cabrera stressed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, an environmental health specialist at Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, said children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing medical conditions would be at risk if the air quality reaches hazardous levels due to the firecrackers.

“Exposure to particulate matter and other toxic environmental pollutants can trigger or worsen respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, and sinusitis,” Apostol said.

“We therefore encourage everyone to think twice before spending hard-earned money for toxic firecrackers and fireworks, which are better used for essential needs like food on the table,” EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero also said.

READ: Animal rights advocates worry over impact of firecrackers on pets

Below are alternative ways locals with pets may celebrate the season, according to the groups:

• Walk or take your pets for a run or physical activity before it gets dark so they will be tired by night and soundly sleeping by the time the revelry begins.
• Keep pets inside to avoid becoming stressed or exposed to loud explosions and toxic fumes. Never chain or tie them outside your home – not only during New Year’s Eve; chaining or tethering should never go beyond an hour – as companion animals are meant to share family activities with us inside our home.
• Escape-proof your home to prevent pets from going out during the festivity. Ensure they have a collar with a tag indicating the pet owner’s details.
• Make pets pee or poo before the revelry starts, and give them ready access to water.
• Provide a quiet and safe spot where pets can stay during the revelry; shut the windows, pull the curtains down, and play soft music inside your home.
• Turn on the television if this will help mask the noise of the firecrackers outside and if you think your pet prefers the TV’s sound over other loud noises.
• Act as usual and as calmly as possible even while the explosions are at their worst so that your pets will take a cue from your behavior – that there is nothing to be alarmed about. Fussing over your pet may have the effect of increasing their tendency to panic.
• Talk to your veterinarian about giving your pet drops of “Rescue Remedy” or calming edible drops on their favorite treat (available in organic pet supply stores) ahead of time. Buy or make an anxiety vest for dogs that have an extreme fear or trauma response to firecrackers.
• Keep alcoholic drinks, chocolate, fruit cake, nuts, shopping bags, tobacco products, and cleaning agents out of the pet’s reach to prevent choking and poisoning incidents.
• Give stray animals a haven in your garage if you have the space – provide temporary shelter, food, and water, especially during the revelry.