–animal rights activist urges

THE New Year is a time when persons mark new beginnings. This is often welcomed with grand celebrations featuring the loud bangs of firecrackers and squibs.

While this is enjoyable for some people, pet owners and animal lovers are left with a level of deep discomfort, much like their animal friends, due to the harmful effects these can have on household pets and other animals.

The use of firecrackers, by law, is restricted to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), which has the power to confiscate these firecrackers that are in the possession of civilians.

Recently, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with Hema Richard, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Rosewood Foundation, a volunteer-based animal welfare organisation.

Richard disclosed that Rosewood and several other animal-rights groups, including the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), have approached the GDF to have these firecrackers seized from unauthorised persons.

“They are not only a hazard to animals but they are a hazard to children. There are risks involved to children and older people as well,” Richard told this newspaper.

Scientifically, the hearing of animals is far more advanced than humans. Richard explained that even though the animal may be distanced from the firecrackers, the effect is felt as though it were right in front of them.

She said many animals try to run or hide from the sounds. In their attempt to flee frantically, their risk of self-harm or harm by neglect is high.

“This can cause accidents on the streets because if people are driving and a dog, cat or any other animal just runs into the street, then a driver can swerve from that animal and can cause an accident or the driver can actually hit the animal,” Richard explained.

Some animals which were pets, she continued, have had to be ‘put down’ last year due to the severity of injuries incurred during these frantic episodes caused by the explosives.

“The vets could not do more than what could have been done for them and they eventually had to be euthanized,” Richard said.

Birds and other small animals are also affected by seizures and heart attacks caused by these explosives, the Rosewood Foundation PRO confirmed.

She said that not only are dogs and cats affected but birds and other small animals can have seizures or heart attacks.

The Rosewood Foundation representative is urging persons to join the advocacy against unauthorised use of firecrackers.

Explaining the emotional bond formed by humans with animals which are pets, Richard said: “They are a family member, and to have to go through that kind of traumatic experience when your animal is seizing and there is nothing you can do except wrap it up in a blanket and hold it; is a very traumatic experience for someone.”

Asked for advice on how to protect animals from potential harm from fireworks, Richard said keeping animals indoors has been helpful. She said also that keeping the animal in an indoor space where they cannot hurt themselves has been helpful. Music drowns out the bang of the explosives.

Richard lauded the effort of the GDF which, she said, has become more aware of the advocacy against animal cruelty.

The Rosewood Foundation is receiving donations in cash or kind including items for the animals, cleaning supplies, and medication. Concerned citizens can also sponsor veterinary visits.

“We don’t have a shelter. We foster animals at our homes… and people see them and they either adopt or they donate to help take care of animals,” Richard said. Local veterinarians support the work of the Foundation.