Annually, illegal fireworks being set off throughout the Christmas / New Year season has devastating effects on the pets we love, with shelters like The Lost Dogs’ Home being left to pick up the pieces.
(PRWEB) December 28, 2011
Annually, illegal fireworks being set off throughout the Christmas/ New Year season have devastating effects on the pets we love, with shelters like The Lost Dogs’ Home being left to pick up the pieces.
“Last year, we had 145 animals come into the shelter over 24 hours on January 1, many of whom were severely traumatized, with worn pads on their feet, and suffering badly from exhaustion,” said the Home’s General Manager of Operations, Sue Conroy.
Sadly, shelter staff who care for the many terrified strays over the New Year’s Eve period see many cases where the outcome is considerably darker. There are some awful injuries suffered when pets escape backyards in a panic and lives can be lost when they make it out onto busy roads and streets. And it’s all due to the irresponsible and thoughtless actions for a few minutes of thrills with backyard fireworks.
“Each year at this time we deal with grieving owners frantically searching for their escaped pets. We know from experience that some will hear the worst possible news, that their treasured pet has lost its life,” said Sue.
“A great concern to me too is that there may be dire consequences for road users who are forced to swerve to avoid panicked animals roaming the streets. Sadly, the loss of human life may be what it takes for our community to understand the gravity if this illegal act.”
Irrespective of the danger for pets, and in spite of The Lost Dogs’ Home’s lengthy campaign against illegal fireworks, the toll these pyrotechnics take on the community has continued to grow.
“It is very disappointing that incidents of fireworks in the suburbs have increased, despite warnings from animal authorities about their inherent danger.”
Because of the continued rise in incidences, there is little more that The Lost Dogs’ Home can do to protect pets. Instead, the Home asks that this year owners be especially vigilant in the care of their pets, as all too many animals escape in panic through lack of attention and negligence.
We want to warn pet owners not be lulled into a false sense of security with the possibility of city fireworks being cancelled due to hot weather and a fire ban. Backyard fireworks are the biggest danger to pets and those who set them off will not be stopped by a fire ban.
“The unpredictability and randomness of fireworks in suburbia mean that caring owners are forced to stay in during the season to protect their pets. However for some this isn’t possible, in which case we urge them to make sure their pets are secure as possible, completely identifiable and their contact details are up-to-date.”
“As an organization, we are not anti fireworks. The community enjoys the capital city displays, and owners know to expect them. But we are totally against the illegal, unpredictable fireworks; the thoughtless five minutes of fun and entertainment that can have such appalling consequences. Owners need to speak out and help raise awareness for this yearly atrocity,” Sue implored.
For more information please visit http://dogshome.com/new-years-eve-fireworks.
Enquiries – Sue Conroy (sue.conroy(at)dogshome(dot)com) or Kate Hoelter (kate.hoelter(at)dogshome(dot)com)
# # #
Kate Hoelter
The Lost Dogs' Home
(613) 9329 2755
Email Information
There are no comments yet