KLANG: While fireworks add to the atmosphere during festive seasons, they are also why many pets end up missing after bolting in fear from their homes.
This can be seen from the many “lost pet” posters that appear on the social media pages of animal rescue and welfare groups soon after festive seasons end.
Although some of the runaway pets are eventually found, most end up lost for good, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and grieving owners.
The problem has only worsened since Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming announced the move to legalise firecrackers and fireworks three months ago, much to the dismay of some pet owners and animal activists.
With nothing to stop revellers from blasting away, owners now worry about the safety of their pets and can only take precautions to ensure they do not flee in fear.
Derene Lee said she shuts and bolts her front door while staying in her bedroom with her two pet dogs Mr Gwing and Capt Maru when fireworks are set off during a festive season.
“Maru has a safe corner to hide under the bed and Mr Gwing just sits with me,” she said, adding that despite this, her dogs still end up traumatised.
Myza Nordin, president of Malaysia’s only vegan animal shelter Furry Friends Farm (FFF), said owners must take measures to prevent their pets from bolting when fireworks go off.
“Don’t keep them in the car porch with the gate open, especially if you are also setting off fireworks or firecrackers.
“Keep them in the house and lock the door,” she said.
Myza added that it would also be wise for owners not to take their pets out for walks when fireworks go off as they may break free of their leashes in panic.
Dog trainer Carlos Huertas said dogs have very sensitive ears.
“These loud sounds are many times louder for dogs than they are for humans.
“The very loud sounds of fireworks hurt their ears and heads, and dogs panic because they suffer pain,” he said.
Although some dogs can be trained not to react under gunfire, it must be done gradually when they are still puppies.
“Pet dogs are usually not trained for this, so imagine the suffering they face when people blast away during festivities,” said Huertas.
Humane Society International senior adviser Dr Saravanakumar S. Pillai said animal behaviour can take an adverse turn when exposed to fear and trauma.
“Pet dogs generally have places to hide at home, but what about street animals? What if they turn aggressive due to the fear and trauma of these loud noises?” said Dr Saravanakumar, also a former Veterinary Services Department deputy director.
He said the government must come up with stringent guidelines after legalising fireworks and firecrackers.
“Perhaps it should fix a stipulated time and period when fireworks and firecrackers can be blasted,” he added.
He said revellers must also be more responsible and considerate when playing with fireworks and firecrackers during festivities.
