Filipinos should consider doing away with the use of firecrackers and fireworks in greeting the new year, saying a moment of 'warlike' revelry is not only dangerous to humans but also a torture to cats and dogs.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, Dec. 8, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the EcoWaste Coalition explained that cats and dogs are gifted with a highly developed sense of hearing and the ear-splitting noises from firecrackers and fireworks would have negative effects on them.
“The exploding noise from firecrackers and other pyrotechnics is torture to animals like cats and dogs who have a very keen sense of hearing. Aside from the ear-splitting noise, smoke inhaled from detonated firecrackers may cause anxiety, disorientation, loss of appetite, and an upset stomach for our furry companions," said PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera.
"What is worse is if they accidentally eat remnants of the firecrackers, this will result in gastrointestinal problems – symptoms of which could be abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and vomiting," she added.
Citing incidents in the past, Cabrera also revealed that they received reports of chained dogs strangling themselves to death or injuring themselves from trying to run away from the loud explosions on New Year’s Eve.
She added that the situation is even worse for strays as they no safe space to hide in.
"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," said Cabrera.
Dangerous to environment
Under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, there was an attempt to ban the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials due to the usual post-New Year celebration scenario of people being injured, and in some cases, deaths.
While firecracker injuries declined in the past few years, the use of firecrackers continue with experts saying that it is hard to ban it since it is culturally-embedded.
But EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero said it is time to let go of the tradition due to a clear danger not only for animals and human beings but also to environment at large.
“For the health and safety of our canine and feline friends and our own children, we urge all individuals, households and business establishments to steer clear of firecrackers and fireworks and opt for a new way of welcoming 2023 without causing harm to animals, humans and the ecosystems,” said Lucero.
Helpful tips for furry friends
Aside from urging one’s own family members and friends to not use firecrackers as they are bad for the animals and the environment, PAWS and the EcoWaste Coalition identified the following helpful hints to minimize stress for pets if one anticipates that their neighborhood will not be free from the use of firecrackers and fireworks this coming New Year:
1. Walk or take your pets for a run or vigorous play or physical activity before it gets dark so they will be tired by night time and would be soundly sleeping by the time the revelry begins.
2. Keep pets inside to avoid them 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.
3. Escape-proof your home to prevent pets from going out during the revelry. Make sure they have a collar with a tag indicating the pet owner’s details.
4. Make pets pee or poo before the revelry starts, and give them ready access to water.
5. 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.
6. Turn on the television if this will help mask the noise of the firecrackers outside and if you think your pet prefers the sound of the TV over other loud noises.
7. Act as normal and as calm 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.
8. 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. Dog owners who may be able to afford it may consider purchasing an anti-dog anxiety vest for dogs that have an extreme fear or trauma response to firecrackers.
9. Keep alcoholic drinks, chocolate, fruit cake, nuts, shopping bags, tobacco products, and cleaning agents out of pet's reach to prevent choking and poisoning incidents.
10. Give stray animals a safe haven in your garage if you have the space – provide temporary shelter, food and water, especially during the revelry. (PAWS reminds pet owners to please not forget to spay-neuter pets at 6 months old or older so that they do not contribute to the problem of pet homelessness).