Environmentalists in Sri Lanka are issuing a poignant plea to the public ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil festive season, urging them to take measures to protect pets from the harmful effects of fireworks.
Highlighting the profound impact of fireworks on both domestic animals and wildlife, experts warn of the detrimental consequences of the loud explosions.
Nayanaka Ranwella, an environmentalist, underscores the distressing effects of fireworks on wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals like dogs and cats. The cacophony of explosions can drive birds from their nests, disrupting their habitats and causing untold distress.
Studies reveal that animals possess a heightened sensitivity to sound, far surpassing that of humans. With fireworks reaching ear-splitting levels of up to 190 decibels—well beyond the 75-decibel threshold for human hearing damage—animals are particularly vulnerable to anxiety, confusion, and panic.
Alarmingly, research indicates that up to 50 percent of dogs experience fear or anxiety during fireworks displays. The combination of deafening noises and large crowds can overwhelm pets, prompting environmentalists to implore pet owners to keep their furry companions safe at home during firework events.
