Fireworks on the 4th of July can scare animals. Here’s what you can do to help.

Fireworks displays have long been associated with festive occasions. But while you’re enjoying all the pops and bangs, have you ever considered the impact that fireworks have on the many animals that live in the area? Year after year, advocates for wildlife and domestic animals plead with the public to take precautions while urging organizers and governments to find alternatives to fireworks celebrations. Here’s what some groups have to say.

Why are fireworks so harmful to animals?

According to Humane Society International (HSI), “both domestic and wild animals can find the thundering sounds and flashing lights (of fireworks) overwhelming and frightening.” Companion animals can become extremely stressed and agitated, causing some to run away, become injured, get lost, or develop harmful health problems.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 20 percent of pets go missing because they are afraid of fireworks or similar loud noises.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund adds that animal shelters and rescue groups across the country agree “that the days surrounding the Fourth of July are the busiest days of the year for animal shelters in terms of taking in animals.”

What about wild animals?

Fireworks can similarly panic wildlife, causing some to run onto roads or buildings or fly too far away. “Birds can become disoriented,” HSI says, “research shows that fireworks can cause flocks of birds to soar for extended periods of time, which uses up crucial energy, and even fly so far out to sea that they are too exhausted to make the return flight.” Debris left behind by fireworks can also cause problems for wildlife, “containing toxic material (it) can be accidentally eaten by wildlife or even fed to their young.”

According to reports from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), wildlife rehabilitation centers are often “inundated with traumatized, injured and orphaned wild animals” after fireworks incidents.

Captive animals suffer too

Farm animals can also be injured or killed when trying to flee from the frightening sounds of fireworks. “There have been numerous reports of horses being fatally injured after being ‘shocked’ by fireworks,” says the Animal League Defense Fund. “There have even been cases of cows panicking in response to the frightening sounds.”

Even animals held captive in zoos can be injured by fireworks being set off nearby. A baby zebra reportedly died in a UK zoo in 2020 after running into the boundary of her enclosure after being spooked by fireworks from nearby Guy Fawkes celebrations.

How to Help Keep Animals Safe

Keeping pets safe at home is one of the top tips from advocacy groups. “On the Fourth of July and other days when people are likely to set off fireworks, it’s best to keep your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV on to block out any disruptive noise,” HSUS says. “If you can’t leave your pet unattended at home, keep him or her leashed and under your direct supervision at all times.” The group also recommends seeking veterinary care for animals experiencing severe stress and anxiety.

For wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says fireworks should be set off well away from habitats (such as waterways) and any resulting mess should be cleaned up. “Please note that consumer fireworks are prohibited in all national wildlife refuges, national forests, and national parks,” it adds.

Fight for regulations, bans and innovative alternatives

Ultimately, many animal rights organizations suggest taking action to better regulate or ban fireworks in your area, and replacing them with more humane alternatives. Humane Society International suggests advocating for licensing and training of fireworks users, and lowering the decibel level of the loud explosives. “The current legal noise limit for fireworks sold to the public is 120 decibels, a level similar to an airplane taking off! We’d like to see that reduced to 90 dB,” it writes.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, animal lovers “may consider working with local officials to require the use of colorful ‘silent’ or ‘quiet’ fireworks for public celebrations.” The organization adds that laser displays can also “give the impression of fireworks while being much less harmful to wildlife and less polluting to the environment.” Like drone displays, HSUS further wrote, “drone displays like the one used at the opening of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics can be a colorful substitute for fireworks.”

The ALDF also provides tips on how to advocate for local legislation to protect animals from fireworks.

It comes down to

Fireworks can add excitement to human celebrations, but that fun comes at a steep price for the animals who suffer the stressful experience. Advocacy groups are urging us to consider quieter alternatives, stricter regulations, or outright bans to protect the pets and wildlife we ​​share our space with.