Fireworks: Fun for Humans, But Tough on Pets
They escape. They run frantically. And all too often, they get killed.
Riverside County Animal Services once again urges extreme care for all pet owners during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Every year across America thousands of animals suffer a sad fate following the loud explosions of public firework displays and the illegal private party detonation of pyrotechnic devices.
Oftentimes, animals are so frightened that they will often run from their homes and into traffic. Some dogs will even crash through glass windows to try to escape the outside ruckus.
New pet owners, especially, should make arrangements if they plan to be out for the evening. Leaving the animal in a room with the television on at a high volume is one trick. Make sure the pet has his favorite bed and toys nearby for comfort. Opening up a fresh can of cat food is a great distraction for felines.
The amount of animals that end up dead following the patriotic holiday is saddening: Riverside County officers collected 364 dead animals from July 4- to July 7, 2008.
Even though the Animal Services Department was officially “closed,” stand-by officers still responded to calls last year on the Fourth of July and the following Saturday and Sunday (July 5 and 6).
So be forewarned: July 4 may be a lot of fun for us humans, but often heartache follows on July 5. Take care of your four-legged family members.