PAWS: Protect animals from New Year noise, fumes

MANILA, Philippines - The noise from firecrackers can be loud and irritating to humans, but to cats and dogs with sensitive hearing, the same noise is like the boom of a cannon.

Environmental group Ecowaste Coalition and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) issued reminders to protect our pets from harmful noise and fumes caused by pyrotechnic products in the New Year revelry tonight.                              

“This New Year’s Eve, please do not use firecrackers or firearms,” said PAWS director Elsie Araneta. “The explosive and unpredictable bangs, the choking fumes, and the bright displays of light hurt the highly sensitive ears, powerful noses, and keen eyesight of dogs and truly frighten them.”

She said 90 percent of the calls received by PAWS during days before and after the New Year are about animals lost because they went into hiding during the revelry or those injured by firecrackers.  

“Firecracker-related injuries and deaths among humans have been well monitored and documented by the government in the past decades. We commend them for their efforts, but we would also like to see them exercising the same vigilance on behalf of animals,” said Aileen Lucero of Ecowaste.               

To protect pet cats and dogs from the noise and pollution of the New Year celebration, the groups suggest refraining from using fireworks and asking neighbors not to light firecrackers near residences.

 Pets should be given space for temporary refuge from the noise where they may hide or run around to release pent up energy caused by stress.

Closing the windows and playing relaxing music would also help pets feel secure.