New Delhi: This Diwali, as people celebrate with crackers, lights and a lot of noise, spare a thought for the poor animals cowering in the nearest corner. Animals get traumatised by the harsher side-effects of festivals, every year. And topping the list are firecrackers. With their heightened sense of hearing, animals often panic, get scared and run helter-skelter on hearing the noise.
“Every year, countless companion animals disappear after Diwali firework displays. The terrified animals that flee the explosions often become disoriented and can’t find their way back home,” said Anuradha Srivastava, veterinarian and campaign coordinator, People for ethical treatment of animals (Peta) India. Peta advises society people and others to keep a lookout for abandoned animals and help them home.
Burns are the number one injuries suffered by most animals, says Dr (Col) JC Khanna, secretary, the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). In addition, smoke causes irritation and infections, adding to the discomfort of the animals, particularly strays. “A regular supply of water is recommended, especially if pollution is high,” Khanna said.
Abodh Aras of the Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) urged pet lovers to help strays who are in distress, by either feeding them water or keeping them in their homes till the noise dies down. “The animals calm down in human company. But you should be known to them and share a comfortable rapport with the animal,” Aras added. The same goes for pets too. Mufaddal Tambawala, who has a specially built aviary at his home that houses over 100 birds, said, “It’s important to feed them high levels of calcium and vitamins, since they refuse to eat food if scared.”
Shutting windows and doors, and covering cages with blankets are the easiest solutions to drown out sound. “Pets should ideally be kept in a noise-proof room, with lights on so that sudden flares don’t scare them. In extreme cases, they should be taken to the vet and given sedatives to calm them down,” says Dr Hemant Thange, an avian veterinarian. As Srivastava suggests, “We want everybody to enjoy the festivities, including animals”.
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