Groups speak up on effects of firecrackers on dogs, cats

If only animals could speak, they would have asked humans to stop using firecrackers.

Dogs and cats, most of them rescued by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), frontlined the protest inside the PAWS rehabilitation center in Quezon City two days before the New Year’s eve celebration this weekend.

Carried by their owners and PAWS volunteers, the aspins and puspins wore banners bearing words “Arf! Arf! Firecrackers hurt!” and “Meow! Meow! Meow! Ayoko ng paputok.”

Photos by Julliane Love de Jesus/INQUIRER.net

The group PAWS was joined by environmental group EcoWaste Coalition in calling for a total firecracker ban, giving voice to cats and dogs who “lack the power to speak and defend themselves” against firecrackers and fireworks.

“As they cannot speak for themselves, we need to speak out in defense of cats and dogs who suffer a lot from the deafening mayhem, especially on New Year’s eve,” EcoWaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera also lamented the plight of hundreds of stray dogs and cats in the streets suffering from trauma when firecrackers are thrown at them.

“The loud noise and the smell of exploding firecrackers may result in disorientation, loss of appetite and an upset stomach for our furry friends,” Cabrera said.

PAWS is also sharing these helpful tips to help cats and dogs cope with the firecracker explosions on New Year’s eve.

1. Keep pets indoors, but do not chain or tie them. Please remember that it is not advisable to keep an unsupervised dog tied to a leash for long periods of time. Tethering for dogs should only be for a limited period -never 24/7 and certainly never during times when the animal could be stressed out due to loud sounds.

2. Exercise pets in the morning so they will be tired by night time and hopefully, resting or fast asleep by the time the New Year’s revelry begins.

3. Provide a safe refuge for pets like a well-ventilated room with closed windows, and ensure their access to drinking water.

4. Play a soothing music or put the TV on to neutralize the noise from the outside.

5. Put a calming wrap or anxiety vest on pets to make them feel protected and secure.

6. If possible, give stray or wandering animals temporary shelter in your yard. Do not shoo them away, give them food and water, and let them stay at least for the night.

The groups also advised pet owners to keep plastic bags, cleaning agents, tobacco products, alcoholic drinks and holiday treats such as chocolate, fruit cake and nuts out of the reach of pets to prevent poisoning incidents. /jpv

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