Personal fireworks on the 4th of July have turned a festive celebration into a week’s long simulation of a war zone. The excessive use of fireworks frightens and adversely affects animals, the elderly, as well as those with PTSD.

This petition calls for a federal law banning the private use of fireworks outside of the 4th of July. It’s time to protect those who are terrorized by this annual abuse of freedom and reclaim our collective sanity.

• Animal Control Services see a 30% increase in lost pets from July 4 to July 6, and less than half are returned to their owners.
• Animals have more sensitive hearing than humans and loud noises trigger a fight-or-flight response.

• Fireworks can be a trigger for Veterans suffering from PTSD.

• Fireworks can be scary for seniors suffering from dementia.

• Curbing the personal use of fireworks is a patriotic act, as 95% of consumer fireworks are manufactured in China.