Animal Law Enforcement & Rescue

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SEAACA's Guide to Southern
California Animal Shelters

June 26, 2008

Protect Your Pets This July 4^TH

Independence Day is upon us again and that means families will undoubtedly be indulging in some sort of celebratory gathering that may involve fireworks. More and more community firework displays are being offered as a safer option to safe and sane fireworks sold on street corners. Whether safe and sane or a community firework show, our pets are usually adversely affected by the festive popping of fireworks and loud explosive light shows in our neighborhood skies during this season.

This joyous day, meant to bring smiles and good cheer to the faces of celebrants, oftentimes does the exact opposite with our pets. "Fireworks bring out the worst in our pets because they don't understand what is happening," says Captain Aaron Reyes, Director of Operations for SEAACA. "Dogs and cats are very sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, so what we see as an impressive display of pyrotechnics may very well trigger the "flight" instinct in pets," says Reyes.

July 5 has historically been termed the "busiest day of the year" by SEAACA's Executive Director, Dan Morrison. The volume of strays is generally more than double that of a typical summer day, with an alarming number of dogs found running scared on area freeways. Sadly, there have also been cases of animal cruelty in years past involving fireworks and animals.

Residents are asked to consider the safety and comfort of their pets this 4^th of July. SEAACA offers some suggestions to help make this an enjoyable holiday for all.

·            Place identification on your pets. Micro-chipping is also a good idea for those pets that seem to always escape from their collars. SEAACA offers low-cost micro-chipping for your pet! Your pet's information will be registered in a national database so no matter where you travel, your pet can be identified.

·            Keep your pet indoors with a radio or television playing in the background. This can serve as a distraction and offer a sense of comfort for your pet.

·            Additionally, sedatives can be prescribed by your veterinarian for those highly excitable pets likely to suffer extreme anxiety from the fireworks.

·            DO NOT take your pet to a firework show. They are safer at home.

·            PARENTS – supervise your children. They are not likely to understand the adverse effects that fireworks have on pets and may accidentally let the family pet out.

·            If your pet turns up missing, visit your local Animal Care Center the very next day. If you don't see your pet there, keep looking … he may have strayed quite far trying to escape the fireworks.

Additionally, increased staffing will be on-duty at SEAACA immediately following the holiday to help rescue any lost pets. Anyone who observes a loose dog in their neighborhood, please report it to SEAACA by calling (562) 803-3301. Any acts of animal cruelty should also be reported to SEAACA immediately.