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Fireworks Harm Exotic Animals Too!
20 Oct
Summary
- Exotic animals suffer from fireworks like domestic pets.
- A wallaby and her joey tragically died from fireworks distress.
- Animal centers urge attending public displays instead of home use.
Exotic animals can be as severely impacted by fireworks as common pets, according to an animal rescue center. An incident occurred on New Year's Eve 2020 where a wallaby and her joey died. The wallaby apparently panicked during fireworks, ran into a fence, and broke her neck, with the joey also perishing. This highlights the distress caused by explosions, loud bangs, and sudden light changes experienced by animals in captivity.
Arctic foxes and wild cats, along with monkeys and lemurs, are among the species vulnerable to the noise and light of fireworks. Animal welfare charities are appealing for people to attend professional public displays, which are typically held away from animal habitats. If fireworks are used at home, owners are advised to notify neighbors with animals.
Recommendations from animal welfare organizations include changing firework laws. These proposed changes aim to reduce noise levels, regulate the sale of consumer fireworks, and establish firework-free zones. The government is currently reviewing public consultation results on fireworks and considering measures like limiting the sale of the loudest fireworks to consumers and banning high-risk products to protect wildlife and people.
