“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!” – MARK TWAIN
Our land with its creative burst of culture and religions, races and tongues, our festivals are about pomp and splendour, idols and decorations, loud music and fireworks! Everything is OTT!
During Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, there is highest incidence of pets running away, getting disoriented and lost. Animal lovers and NGOs are inundated with frantic calls and messages. Animals don’t understand that the terrifying sounds of a firecracker are a celebration.
The explosions are frightening since they are unpredictable and unavoidable producing a blind panic. Many terrorized animals run away from their homes in a bid to escape the traumatizing detonations. Some meet with accidents causing serious injury, deep-rooted, debilitating fears, some become maimed for life while some are never recovered alive. Often, animals get too close to the half burnt crackers strewn around due to their habit of sniffing, getting injured, suffering significant burns and eye damage. Some ingest the remnants of the firecrackers which are toxic. Out of panic and disorientation, birds fly out too far unable to find their way back, endangering the well-being of nestlings. Those families which are reunited with their pets must consider themselves fortunate.
Fireworks generate higher decibels than low-level jets affecting an animal’s acute sense of hearing. Animal ears hear at frequencies, higher and lower than humans, making them sensitive to higher amplitude of sounds allowing them to hear the faintest of sounds louder than we can.
For strays, it’s even more distressing as every lane has children bursting crackers. They run amok looking to hide from the deafening noises. There have been instances of vicious, sadistic elements tying crackers to animals, watching the panic stricken animal get grievously injured and ultimately burning to death! Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, this is a punishable offence if proved, with fine, imprisonment or both.
TIPS FOR PET/STRAY PARENTS:
Adequate planning can help your pet cope with the fireworks.
1. Socialisation must start early from 3 to 16 weeks of age. Expose your puppy to different people, situations and experiences such as traffic snarls, railways stations, etc. These eventually help them cope effectively with frightening sounds like fireworks or thunder. Free downloads are available online which contain a collection of preloaded sounds. Regular use with adult dogs will gear you to handle your pets’ perturbations during the impending festival season.
2. Make sure your pets are micro-chipped and wear collars with name tags with their name and contact details. Strays can wear the details of the carer.
3. A couple of weeks ahead, ask your vet about anti-anxiety drugs or essential oil diffusers having a calming effect. Homoeopathic and bach flower remedies are available too. You can email wsdindia@gmail.com for remedy/dosage details. Please don’t self-medicate.
4. Ensure the pet has a safe and secure place to hide such as under the bed or furniture or a quiet room to retreat into at all times. Train your pet to associate with this area positively by leaving their favourite toys and treats. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow into.
5. Walk dogs during the day, avoiding unfamiliar places. Keep your pets indoors with all exits secured towards the evening.
6. Put on music to muffle the sound of fireworks. Close windows and draw curtains to block all sounds and flashing lights. Distract your pet with their favourite game, activity or chew toy. Never punish your pet when it’s scared as this will worsen things in the long run.
7. Keep your household calm and maintain your normal routine so that the animal is not further stressed.
8. Avoid leaving your pet unattended as they will find comfort in your presence.
9. If you have smaller pets, partly cover the cages with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out.
10. If possible take off with your pet to a quiet holiday destination. Concerned citizens can help the frightened neighbourhood animals by providing a temporary shelter in their homes or compounds.
Fireworks produce light, noise and air pollution releasing poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, contaminating our natural environment and affecting our health. We must campaign to address the negative effects of fireworks. The need to celebrate without endangering anyone’s well-being is growing every year.
(By Urdhvi Shah, resident Mt. Pleasant Road)
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