How fireworks harm nonhuman animals of all sizes

How fireworks harm nonhuman animals of all sizes

1 Jul 2019

We’ve just published a new article about the ways fireworks and firecrackers harm both domesticated and wild animals. You can read it here:

How fireworks harm nonhuman animals

Fireworks can harm nonhuman animals in many ways, affecting far more animals than just those who live with humans. The noise, lights, sparks, flames, and fumes can cause psychological and physical harm. Dogs, especially young dogs, can suffer post-traumatic stress due to the intense fear and anxiety caused by prolonged and unpredictable noises. Their acute sense of hearing makes this more harmful to them than to humans. Severe stress responses have also been observed in cats, birds, and other animals living in urban areas. They can also suffer hearing loss, blindness, respiratory diseases, or poisoning if they ingest the residue.

By far the largest number of animals affected by the explosion of fireworks and firecrackers are invertebrates and small vertebrates. Although the effects on them have been less studied, we know that they can also experience stress responses and other physical harms. For them, the explosions and their effects can be far greater due to their small size.

Alternative light shows that cause less panic in nonhuman animals are being explored, but outdoor shows of light or sound will always frighten or disorient some animals.

For more information, you can read the full article about the ways fireworks harm nonhuman animals.