Make This Diwali Fun for Animals Too

As Diwali nears, diyas, festive sweets, the triumph of light over darkness, and new beginnings fill our thoughts. However, the noise of fireworks frightens animals, who can panic – and sometimes even flee their homes or territory while trying to escape from the commotion.

PETA India’s Emergency Response Team is on call around the clock, every day of the year, responding to a barrage of reports about animals who have been terrified by the noise of fireworks or fallen victim to other dangers. Some companion animals are lucky enough to be found by our team and reunited with their guardians, but others, along with wildlife, may become injured or even die.

Here are some tips to follow to ensure that Diwali is merry for animals, too:

• Keep cats and dogs indoors during fireworks displays, and if possible, stay with them.
• Close windows and curtains, and turn on a radio or TV to help drown out the noise.
• Make sure your animal companion is wearing a collar and an updated identification tag.
• Try to prevent people from throwing firecrackers at animals. Ask your building’s security guard to be on the lookout for anyone who ties lit firecrackers to the tails of dogs or other animals. Report problems to the police.
• Whenever possible, discourage people from exploding very loud firecrackers – animals’ hearing is far more sensitive than that of humans.
• Keep an eye out for lost companion animals who are wearing collars and tags. Take these animals to your local animal shelter, or look after them until their home can be found.
• Instead of firing off ear-splittingly loud and dangerous firecrackers, use quiet ones or light up your home with diyas, lamps, or other decorative ornaments that are friendly to all.

Want to do more to help animals? Send this delightful e-card to your family and friends: