Humane Society International/India has urged the people to keep in mind the animals also by celebrating Diwali in a noiseless and animal friendly manner.
Firecrackers are not only environmentally harmful but it is also stressful for the animals around us. Every year, animal shelters witness a tremendous increase in the number of runaway and lost pets; who are scared, anxious, nervous and often burnt, it said in a release.
Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director HSI/ India said, “The noise from fireworks causes great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in animals. However, let’s try to make this Diwali less scary and traumatic for animals by saying no to crackers.”
The society has also given some simple tips:
1. Keep your pets indoors and in a familiar room. Switch on calming music or television if possible
2. Keep all doors and windows closed and draw the curtains to reduce the noise. Supply pets with enough food and water and ensure someone can stay with them to comfort them.
3. Store fireworks safely in a closed box, somewhere cool and dry, and out of reach of pets. Do not keep fireworks containers under stairs or exposed in passages.
4. Decorate with lights, lamps and diyas that are friendlier to the environment and animals by giving off less smoke and noise.
5. Refrain from bursting crackers near an animal shelter or zoo. Noise can cause panic and fear. Pollution from burning firecrackers is also harmful to their health.
6. Take dogs for a walk during the daytime before the celebrations begin. Never walk them near where others are lighting firecrackers.
7. Keep contact information for local municipal corporations and surrounding shelters handy and approach them immediately in case of lost pets. If you find a lost pet, either take her to the address on the tag or a local animal shelter
