As the caretaker of a Romanian rescue dog who spent the first three years of his life on the streets, I have seen first hand the fear and distress that unplanned and uncontrolled fireworks can induce on animals. Not only my rescue dog, but also the pedigree dogs I have owned in the past have all been visibly afraid of the loud noises caused by fireworks. 

When the skies suddenly fill with bright colours and booming sounds, what we humans perceive as a celebratory spectacle becomes an endless nightmare for our pets. These animals, with their sensitive hearing, are subjected to this terrifying ordeal not just on noteworthy public holidays, but sporadically throughout the year whenever the need for celebration arises. This isn't limited to animals; young children as well as neurodivergent children and adults also experience anxiety and fear due to the unexpected barrages.

Firework-related stress in animals can result in both behavioral and medical issues. According to a published study in the journal "Applied Animal Behaviour Science," fireworks are associated with anxiety and fear reactions in 49% to 55% of dogs (Graham, L., 2019).

Regarding human ramifications, data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's annual fireworks report revealed that an estimated 10,000 people were rushed to the emergency room due to fireworks related injuries in 2019 (U.S. CPSC, 2020).

By imposing strict bans on private firework sales, we can limit fireworks to organized, planned displays only. This way, everybody - humans and animals alike - can have adequate notice of when these events will take place, and take necessary measures to ensure their comfort and safety. Let's collectively recognize and address the adverse effects of fireworks on vulnerable populations and wildlife.

Share your support now by signing this petition. Let's stop random days and nights of fireworks for the well-being of our beloved animals and our community.