‘Spare our furry friends’

‘PETMALU’ Animal lovers press for a firecracker-free New Year revelry to protect cats and dogs. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

While it might be fun and lucky to welcome the New Year with a loud bang, or several loud bangs, people should also remember that one of life’s real fortunes was celebrating with our families, including our furry friends.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) reminded pet owners that animals were stressed by loud noises and the smell of exploding firecrackers.

“We also get many reports of accidental strangulation because pet owners keep their dogs tied outside during the merrymaking, exposing them to stressful conditions,” PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera told the Inquirer in an interview.

Cabrera said that their rehabilitation center usually receives increased reports of missing pets after Dec. 31.

One way to keep pets safe during the New Year revelry, Cabrera said, is to exercise pets during the day so that they will be tired—and hopefully asleep — when the revelry begins.

But if they remain awake and active, a safe refuge like a well-ventilated room with closed windows, as well as a calming wrap or anxiety vest, can help pets feel more protected.

Also, Cabrera said, don’t discriminate against your pets by bringing only purebred dogs indoors while keeping the mongrels outside.

“Anything is better than outside,” she said. “More people should treat their dogs like family. You wouldn’t leave your family chained outside.”

The environmental group EcoWaste Coalition also reiterated that the use of firecrackers posed dangers both to human and animal health.

While both groups lauded stricter rules on the sale and use of firecrackers, EcoWaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero said their continuing use still leads to toxic air and wastes that harm humans and animals.