PETS
These People Comforted Scared Shelter Animals During Fireworks
July 6, 2018
On the Fourth of July in Phoenix, Arizona, the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control began an experimental program called “Calming Companions,” where they invited the public into their shelters to sit with the dogs and cats. The loud and constant noise of fireworks being set off over the holiday can be a terrifying ordeal for small animals, and even more so in the cramped conditions of a shelter.
Around 200 caring people came out to the event, visiting either of the control’s shelters. These wonderful volunteers brought their own chairs and blankets to sit on as they read, played music, and entertained the dogs. Staff at the shelters provided treats, toys, and games that helped keep the dogs and cats occupied, and the joint effort led to a great experience for everyone involved.
Click HERE to read more.
On the Fourth of July in Phoenix, Arizona, the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control began an experimental program called “Calming Companions,” where they invited the public into their shelters to sit with the dogs and cats. The loud and constant noise of fireworks being set off over the holiday can be a terrifying ordeal for small animals, and even more so in the cramped conditions of a shelter.
Around 200 caring people came out to the event, visiting either of the control’s shelters. These wonderful volunteers brought their own chairs and blankets to sit on as they read, played music, and entertained the dogs. Staff at the shelters provided treats, toys, and games that helped keep the dogs and cats occupied, and the joint effort led to a great experience for everyone involved.
Click HERE to read more.
Animal expert calls for four-day firework window
From NZ Massey University veterinary behaviorist Dr. Rachael Stratton:
"All animals can be affected – cats, dogs, horses, birds and livestock such as cattle, sheep, deer, goats, alpacas and wildlife."
"Symptoms of anxiety include trembling, pacing, barking, whining or self-mutilation in dogs. Cats and dogs may stop eating, seek out their owner, destroy things through chewing, urinate, defecate, cower, hide or try to run away. Horses often react by vocalising, pacing up and down and may panic and injure themselves."
Click HERE to read more.
"All animals can be affected – cats, dogs, horses, birds and livestock such as cattle, sheep, deer, goats, alpacas and wildlife."
"Symptoms of anxiety include trembling, pacing, barking, whining or self-mutilation in dogs. Cats and dogs may stop eating, seek out their owner, destroy things through chewing, urinate, defecate, cower, hide or try to run away. Horses often react by vocalising, pacing up and down and may panic and injure themselves."
Click HERE to read more.
Loud explosion made terrified animal bolt
NZ Herald
Nov 5, 2015
Monique Davey was at the St Heliers Pony Club on Kepa Rd on Tuesday at 5pm. She was fencing an area off to prevent any horses spooked by fireworks on Guy Fawkes night from bolting. As she walked her daughter's horse, Venus, into the area, she heard a loud explosion.
"I was shutting the gate and there was just this loud boom. It came out of nowhere," Mrs Davey said.
"It made me jump as well. The horse spooked and tried to run back into the paddock where we had come from. She crumpled the gate and flipped over ... To see a big beast like that fly over a metal gate ... I thought she was dead."
Click HERE to read more.
Nov 5, 2015
Monique Davey was at the St Heliers Pony Club on Kepa Rd on Tuesday at 5pm. She was fencing an area off to prevent any horses spooked by fireworks on Guy Fawkes night from bolting. As she walked her daughter's horse, Venus, into the area, she heard a loud explosion.
"I was shutting the gate and there was just this loud boom. It came out of nowhere," Mrs Davey said.
"It made me jump as well. The horse spooked and tried to run back into the paddock where we had come from. She crumpled the gate and flipped over ... To see a big beast like that fly over a metal gate ... I thought she was dead."
Click HERE to read more.
New Zealand SPCA calls for fireworks ban
2 November 2015
The SPCA is urging people not to buy fireworks this year to avoid causing fear, injury and disruption for pets.
SPCA New Zealand CEO Ric Odom says the public has known for many years that private fireworks are a danger to both people and animals. Calls for a ban on public sales have still not been met despite a Change.org petition attracting more than 32,000 signatures.
“Fireworks are traumatic for animals. The loud, unexpected bangs are distressing for many animals. It can cause them to run away creating more safety issues for people and animals.”
Click HERE to read more.
The SPCA is urging people not to buy fireworks this year to avoid causing fear, injury and disruption for pets.
SPCA New Zealand CEO Ric Odom says the public has known for many years that private fireworks are a danger to both people and animals. Calls for a ban on public sales have still not been met despite a Change.org petition attracting more than 32,000 signatures.
“Fireworks are traumatic for animals. The loud, unexpected bangs are distressing for many animals. It can cause them to run away creating more safety issues for people and animals.”
Click HERE to read more.
Alarming Statistics
Fireworks and other loud noises account for nearly 20% of missing pets, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Each year, an estimated 2.8 million dog owners give their dogs calming and anxiety medicines like Prozac. Residents of Santa Maria, CA have described their neighborhoods as war zones, with some 200 animals lost in the weeks before and after July 4 as they sought refuge of safety due to a fear of fireworks.
According to national statistics, animal control officials across the country see a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. In fact, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for shelters.
Mark Jakubczak, Certified Pet Detective and Founder, PetAmberAlert™ said, “Sadly, only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners. And worse, 30-60% of lost pets are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified and returned to their owners."
These are alarming statistics. Please consider adding your name to our list of supporters, in urging the Board of Supervisors to reinforce the already existing fireworks ordinance prohibiting the possession and use of “safe and sane” and illegal fireworks in Santa Cruz County. To join us in this effort click HERE.
According to national statistics, animal control officials across the country see a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. In fact, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for shelters.
Mark Jakubczak, Certified Pet Detective and Founder, PetAmberAlert™ said, “Sadly, only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners. And worse, 30-60% of lost pets are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified and returned to their owners."
These are alarming statistics. Please consider adding your name to our list of supporters, in urging the Board of Supervisors to reinforce the already existing fireworks ordinance prohibiting the possession and use of “safe and sane” and illegal fireworks in Santa Cruz County. To join us in this effort click HERE.
PET RELATED WEB SITES
Panicked, dogs flee fireworks. If your dog is lost due the explosions, consider posting at Lost Dogs Santa Cruz, a Public Group on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lostdogssantacruz/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lostdogssantacruz/
Citizens for Zero Tolerance of Illegal Fireworks Facebook Page was started out of concern for pets terrorized by illegal fireworks.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/955486781169059/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/955486781169059/
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter cares for pets that often run in panic from fireworks.
http://www.scanimalshelter.org/
http://www.scanimalshelter.org/