Every year we hear horror stories from pet owners and wildlife rescue agencies, following fireworks. 

Fireworks can cause panic, confusion, fear and anxiety in animals. 

The hearing of animals is much more sensitive than humans. Unpredictable loud noises can cause phobias in animals. Dogs can hear 50,000 hz whereas humans cannot hear above 20,000hz. The number of pets who go missing doubles during fireworks.  Horses are hyper-vigilant, always on high alert. It is estimated that 26% of horses experience injuries on the nights during fireworks trying to escape the noise. Birds have been known to abandon their nests and often experience tachycardia, which usually causes death. Other Wildlife can lose track of their babies.

It's time we started being responsible and protect our pets and wildlife.

The private sale of fireworks allows these devices into the hands of irresponsible people. Even though lighting fireworks in a public park is illegal in Toronto, many people still do it. People light them in unsafe conditions, causing house fires and personal injury. Even though the law says that we can legally light fireworks twice a year including the day before, the day of and the day after a holiday, many people ignore this law and light them off whenever they want. Parks and beaches are littered with garbage following holidays. Police can't possibly keep up with fines for these infractions. 

The solution would be to expand the large shows that take place for the public to enjoy, eliminating the need for personal displays.  We should be taking Italy's lead and having silent displays. 

Let's face it, fireworks are for human enjoyment and human enjoyment only. For once, let's put the animals first.