My name is Dr. Scott Bainbridge I have been a companion animal veterinarian in Ontario, Canada, for the past 25 years. Please help me instigate "Loki's Law" that would help ban the personal use of fireworks in the province of Ontario. Throughout my entire career, I have witnessed the devastating effects that fireworks can have on pets, local wildlife and the environment. It's unconscionable to know that a momentary celebration for us can cause prolonged fear, stress, and even physical harm to these animals and their habitat when it is within our power to stop it. Loki was our 100 lbs Chow/Lab rescue we adopted from a local shelter. He was a wonderful, brave and loyal companion to my family and I, but unfortunately fireworks would turn him into an anxious mess. We tried every technique to help ease his pain from thunder shirts to headphones but eventually he would end up spending most of the Summer months on anti-anxiety meds in case some individuals randomly set off fireworks.

From my personal experience, I would estimate that greater than 50% of pets have severe fireworks induced anxiety but studies have shown that number may be as high as 80%. Fireworks, while celebratory in nature for humans, are traumatizing for all animals. The loud noises and flashing lights are not merely unpleasant, but they can lead to severe anxiety, fear, and even physical harm. I have known dogs to tremble, lose control of their bowels, seizure, bolt from their owners into traffic and I've actually had one patient jump through a plate glass window as a result of fireworks.  At our animal hospital, the demand for anti-anxiety medications absolutely soars during the fireworks season.

Furthermore, fireworks can disrupt wildlife, causing them to abandon their nests and young or venture into dangerous environments. The spontaneous and loud explosions have an immense impact on bird populations, often leading to flight and disorientation, which could eventually result in death from crashes or from leaving their natural habitat. Most recently, a 3 month old Red Panda died from stress induced by a fireworks display at the Edinburgh Zoo. 

Beyond these impacts on animals, fireworks also have a broader environmental footprint, releasing harmful pollutants and toxins into the air and our waterways that can be detrimental to both animal and human health. Not to mention that precious Ontario Crown Forests cover nearly 2/3 of this province yet anyone over the age of 18 can buy fireworks and set them off without supervision or any limitations.

I am not alone in my concerns. Countries like Australia, Ireland and Chile have already banned fireworks for personal use for the exact reasons previously mentioned. I have no issues with controlled, scheduled events by licensed professionals but the ongoing random use by the general public needs to be stopped.

This is why I am urging the government of Ontario to rethink our fireworks laws and impose a personal use ban. By implementing "Loki's Law" we can prioritize One-Health, the welfare of our pets, wildlife and environment over a few moments of spectacle. As a veterinarian, I pledge for a future where both humans and animals can coexist peacefully, undisturbed by the harm caused by fireworks. Join me by signing this petition, and let's create a safer environment for this planet.

Sincerely,

Dr. Scott Bainbridge