Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 27) – An animal welfare and environmental protection group called on the public to refrain from using firecrackers on New Year’s Eve as these could bring harmful effects to animals, particularly to cats and dogs.
In a joint press statement Friday, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the EcoWaste Coalition reminded the public that “loud bangs, booms, crackling noises, and whistles” from firecrackers and fireworks are distressing for cats and dogs, especially for those on the streets.
“The thunderous sounds and flashing lights, especially on the days and hours leading to the New Year, provide no entertainment to our furry friends who are terrified and threatened by the noisy and warlike festivities,” said PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera.
“With no safe space to go, the Asong Pinoys (aspins) and Pusang Pinoys (puspins) on the streets are more scared and traumatized when firecrackers are directly thrown at them by uncaring individuals who derive pleasure in seeing them run away in fear,” Cabrera added.
She added that celebrating the New Year can be made possible without firecrackers, considering how much pets suffer from “severe anxiety and fear from the firecracker blasts.”
Meanwhile, Thony Dizon, chemical safety campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition, said air pollution from the ignition of firecrackers and fireworks may cause “disorientation, appetite loss and upset stomach among exposed cats and dogs.”
“The ingestion of firecrackers and fireworks and their fragments and residues, which are loaded with hazardous substances, may also cause chemical poisoning in cats and dogs,” he warned.
Citing Pet Poison Helpline, the groups noted that pets can develop gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, painful abdomen, and bloody diarrhea when firecrackers or fireworks are ingested, the severity of which will depend on the type and amount of firecrackers or fireworks ingested.
To promote a safe and less stressful New Year’s celebrations for cats and dogs, including aspins and puspins, PAWS and the EcoWaste Coalition urged animal-loving Filipinos to heed the following advice:
1. Sway members of your household and your neighborhood not to light firecrackers and fireworks.
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. Keep pets inside during firecracker explosions or fireworks displays, but do not chain or tie them.
4. Provide a safe and secure space where pets can stay during the noisy revelry; close the windows and put the curtains down to block out the noise and any abrupt bursts of light.
5. Play soothing music or turn up the radio or TV to drown out the deafening bangs from firecrackers and fireworks.
6. Put a calming wrap or anxiety vest on pets to make them feel protected and secure.
7. Ensure pet’s access to drinking water, and make your pet pee or poo before the revelry starts.
8. Escape-proof your home to prevent pets from going outside during the festivities.
9. Do not drive stray cats and dogs away, give them food and water, and let them stay at least for the night.
10. To avoid choking, strangulation and poisoning incidents, keep shopping bags, cleaning solutions, tobacco products, alcoholic drinks, chocolate, fruit cake, and nuts out of pet’s reach.
