Have you ever personally experienced seeing a dog who is so panicked by fireworks that they try to scratch their way through a wall or crouch trembling in the corner or under furniture when neighbors deploy these explosives? Have you seen animals that are in such fear that they soil themselves or in some cases, panic and harm themselves by running out into roads or through fences? Some animals become so fearful of noise after these experiences that they require euthanasia....

As a result, dogs, cats, horses, wildlife creatures and even veterans suffering from PTSD have had to undergo evenings of anxiety, illness and in some extreme cases, death caused by the extraordinary fear these 'fun' devices have caused. Animals are incapable of digesting the unpredictable nature of the consistent loud bangs and the bright lights in the air.

Today, we learned that a group called “Texarkana United,” led by Tracy Jones, plans to set off a large fireworks display within a half mile of our local animal shelter, the Animal Care and Adoption Center. Initially it was set to be done right next door and through a series of phone calls and texts, we had that stopped. This evening, we were told of the move to Hobo Jungle. That is still too close.  How can anyone possibly believe this is a good idea? 

We do not have any issue with the event the organizers are putting together downtown. However we do believe that the fireworks that close to the shelter is a complete lack of respect and compassion for animals who have already been abused, thrown away, and now have come to what they believe is a safe haven. Kayla Tucker, our shelter director, is doing an excellent job with these sad animals and the setback she will have to work with is more than she should have to handle.

Hence, we are asking that the fireworks, if necessary, are moved to a location a minimum of 2 miles from the Animal Care and Adoption Center. If it is not moved, these animals will be tortured even more and will require more than is necessary to rehab them to become adoptable.

Please sign this petition and then contact the representatives of Texarkana Arkansas. The more they hear from us, the better our chances are of having the location of the fireworks moved. The numbers are as follows:

City Manager Kenny Haskins (870) 779-4952
Address: 216 Walnut Street Texarkana, AR 71854

Board of Directors (call city hall - 870-779-4991)
• Mayor – Allen L. Brown
• Ward 1 – Linda Teeters (Assistant Mayor)
• Ward 2 – Laney J. Harris
• Ward 3 – Steven Hollibush
• Ward 4 – Ulysses Brewer
• Ward 5 – Barbara S. Miner
• Ward 6 – Terri Kenner Peavy

Texarkana Arkansas Police Chief Bob Harrison 903-798-3130

Texarkana Arkansas Fire Chief David Fletcher (870) 779-4967

Call today! Sign the petition! And share, share, share!