As Canada Day fireworks light up New Brunswick skies, pet owners urge caution, citing the stress and danger loud displays cause for animals.
Fireworks Pose Hidden Dangers for Animals
As communities across New Brunswick gear up for Canada Day celebrations, local pet owners are sounding the alarm about the unintended consequences fireworks can have on animals. The loud, unpredictable noises can cause panic in pets, leading to dangerous situations for both animals and their caregivers.
Personal Experience Sparks Local Awareness
Andrea Mulder-Slater of Bocabec recalls the first time her quarter horse, Diesel, experienced fireworks near their home. The sudden, thunderous sounds from a nearby beach startled Diesel so severely that he panicked and bolted. “Horses are flighty animals, so when they get scared they tend to bolt,” she explained. Fortunately, she and her husband managed to get Diesel safely into the stable with loud music to muffle the booms outside. The experience prompted her to post online, urging neighbours to provide advance notice if planning fireworks, and to install signage requesting no beach fireworks near her farm.
Fireworks May Trigger Fight-or-Flight in Dogs
Bonnie-Lee Bartlett, owner of Angel’s Dog Rescue in Moncton, sees the impact firsthand. Every year, she receives calls about dogs that run away during fireworks displays. “Once they’re running, they go into a fight or flight mode,” she said. “They won’t let their owner catch them, and calling their name often drives them further away.” She stresses that the safest place for pets on Canada Day is indoors — preferably in a quiet space with comforting items and background noise like TV or music.
Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Experts urge pet owners to take simple but essential precautions:
- Keep pets indoors during fireworks.
- Use music or television to mask external sounds.
- Create a cozy space with blankets or toys.
- Ensure pets wear ID tags with updated contact details.
- Be mindful that anxiety can persist the following day.
Bartlett adds that the fear doesn’t disappear when the fireworks end. “They hang on to that anxiety. Even the next day, a car door slamming can cause them to bolt again.”
A Call for Consideration
Both Bartlett and Mulder-Slater emphasize that public awareness and consideration can make a difference. Advance notice, choosing alternate celebration methods, or limiting fireworks to community-designated areas could protect countless pets from distress. As fireworks continue to be a beloved part of Canada Day traditions, a little thoughtfulness may ensure the safety and comfort of all — animals included.
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