Over 10,000 pets suffer in fireworks fallout

Colombo, April 22 (Daily Mirror) - The festive cheer of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has come under sharp criticism, with veterinary experts claiming that more than 10,000 cats and dogs have suffered hearing damage and disorientation due to firecrackers and fireworks.

The Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population has raised alarm over what it describes as a largely ignored crisis unfolding alongside celebrations.

Its advisor, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, told the Daily Mirror that the impact of fireworks on animals is far more severe than most people realize.

“Cats and dogs possess significantly more sensitive hearing than humans. Dogs can detect frequencies up to 60,000 Hz, while cats can hear up to 85,000 Hz. These ranges make them extremely vulnerable to high-decibel sounds,” he said.

According to him, fireworks typically generate noise levels between 120 and 175 decibels—well above the 140 dB threshold that can cause immediate pain and lasting damage.

“This is not just discomfort. It can result in serious, temporary, or even permanent hearing loss by damaging the inner ear structures,” he warned.

Beyond physical harm, the psychological impact is equally alarming. Sudden explosions trigger panic responses in animals, causing them to flee in search of safety.

“In that panic, many lose their sense of direction and fail to return home. A large number are later found injured or killed in road accidents,” Dr. Nanayakkara said.

He added that prolonged stress often leads to animals refusing food, weakening their immune systems and making them susceptible to various diseases.

The fallout is not limited to domestic pets. Birds, too, are reported to have suffered extensively during the festive period.

“High-intensity noise can deafen birds. In some cases, the shockwaves are strong enough to crack eggs in nests. Deafened birds become easy prey, unable to detect predators or forage effectively,” he noted.

Animal welfare advocates argue that the widespread use of fireworks highlights a troubling disregard for non-human life, calling for stricter regulations and greater public awareness.

Dr. Nanayakkara urged the public to reconsider traditional practices that contribute to noise pollution.

“Celebration should not come at the cost of suffering. Every living being has a right to exist without harm,” he stressed, appealing for more humane and environmentally conscious ways to mark festive occasions.