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Downey, CA… Independence Day is upon us again
and that means area families will undoubtedly be indulging in some
sort of celebratory gathering that could include fireworks. More and
more community firework displays are being offered as a safer
option. However, the effect on our pets, due to bright flashes of
light accompanied by thunderous explosions, remains the same.
This joyous day is meant to bring smiles and
good cheer to the faces of celebrants, but it can also cause fear
and terror in our pets. “Fireworks bring out the worst in our pets
because they don’t understand what is happening,” says Captain Aaron
Reyes, Director of Operations for SEAACA. “Dogs and cats are very
sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, so what we see as an
impressive display of pyrotechnics may very well trigger the
“flight” instinct in pets,” says Reyes.
July 5th has historically been termed the
“busiest day of the year” by SEAACA’s Executive Director, Dan
Morrison. The volume of strays is generally more than double that of
a typical summer day, with an alarming number of dogs found on area
freeways. Sadly, there have also been cases of animal cruelty in
years past involving fireworks as well.
Residents are asked to consider the safety and
comfort of their pets this 4th of July. SEAACA offers some
suggestions to help make this an enjoyable holiday for all.
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Place identification on your pets.
Micro-chipping is also a good idea for those pets that seem to
always escape from their collars. SEAACA will implant a microchip
in your pet which involves a quick, painless procedure. Your pet
will be registered in a national database so no matter where you
travel your pet can be identified.
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Keep your pet indoors with a radio or
television playing in the background. This can serve as a
distraction and offer a sense of comfort for your pet.
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Additionally, sedatives can be prescribed by
your veterinarian for those highly excitable pets likely to suffer
extreme anxiety from the fireworks.
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DO NOT take your pet to a firework show. They
are safer at home.
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PARENTS – supervise your children. They are
not likely to understand the adverse effects that fireworks have
on pets and may let the family pet out. Children are better kept
by your side, closely supervised this 4th of July.
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If your pet turns up missing, visit your
local Animal Care Center the very next day. If you don’t see your
pet there, keep looking…they may have strayed quite far trying to
escape the fireworks.
Additionally, increased staffing will be
on-duty at SEAACA immediately following the holiday to help rescue
any lost pets. Anyone who observes a loose dog in their
neighborhood, please report it to SEAACA by calling (562) 803-3301.
Any acts of cruelty should be reported immediately to SEAACA, any
day, and any time.
Have a safe and enjoyable 4th
of July, 2005! |
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Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
