Animal lovers appeal: Forgo firecrackers to welcome 2014

Firecrackers are not only harmful to humans but animals too.

This was the message of proenvironment and animal welfare groups whose members urged the public to shun firecrackers during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

They gathered with their pets in front of the Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate, Manila, on Sunday to kick off the campaign called “Love Animals, Paputok Hurts,” which was organized by the EcoWaste Coalition.

According to EcoWaste, the “friendly and furry gathering of humans and pets is part of our ‘Iwas Paputoxic’ campaign calling for a toxic-free New Year celebration.”

It was joined by animal welfare groups led by Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), Compassion and Responsibility for Animals, Dog Breeds and Breeders, Philippine Animal Lovers and WeDogs whose members also brought their pets to the event to “draw public attention to the traumatic ordeal that animals have to endure amidst ear-splitting explosions to ring in the New Year.”

“Our traditional festivities have become unbearably loud for humans and animals alike but since many animal species have highly sensitive ears, this deafening mayhem becomes an annual rite that tortures them,” said EcoWaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero.

For his part, Rev. Fr. Michael Martin of the Our Lady of Remedies Parish said that people, as caretakers of nature, were bound by a common duty not to harm other creatures on earth.

“Please do not make animals suffer from superfluous blasting of firecrackers and fireworks,” he added.

Lawyer Heidi Caguioa of AKF said that small animals like cats, dogs and birds were easily frightened by the loud noise made by firecrackers. She added that these pets could end up suffering from an irreversible hearing impairment, eye damage and, in some cases, heart problems.

Accompanied by his 10-month-old Siberian Husky “Atom,” Jason Laderas of Paco, Manila, told the Inquirer that firecracker explosions were very traumatic for dogs.

“We usually confine our pets inside a closed room during the New Year’s Eve revelry so that they will not hear the loud sounds outside,” Laderas said.

“We advise pet owners to provide a safe place for animals. If possible, allow them to stay in a quiet room such as a bedroom,” EcoWaste said.