Animal group makes plea against firecracker use

PHOTO by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is calling on the public to refrain from using fireworks because it brings nothing but harmful effects to humans and more to animals, also air pollution.

Like PAWS, the EcoWaste Coalition over the weekend issued the same call saying firecracker explosion is torture to animals due to their sensitive ears.

EcoWaste Coalition said pets can suffer from permanent hearing impairment, eye damage and even heart problems.

PAWS, on the other hand recommended tips to help animals survive the New Year noise:
•       Keep pets inside the house and inside a secure room during New Year’s Eve;
•       A tired dog is a happy dog. Make sure you’ve given sufficient physical activities for your dogs so that they are all tired out by the time New Year’s festivities and fireworks begin;
•       Chained dogs are at greatest risk of strangulation when they panic at the sound of firecracker explosions;
•       Holiday foods may be toxic to pets-resist the urge to give them extremely oily or sweet foods. No chocolates, raisins, grapes or anything with onions;
•       Cuddling pets to comfort them will actually make them more stressed. Try to act normally around your pets during the New Year revelry;
•       Give them a safe place (box, covers to hide in) to retreat to inside the house.