Should Fireworks Be “Banned” For The Safety of Pets?

As fireworks light up the sky during Christmas and New Year celebrations, animal welfare groups across Belize say the holiday tradition comes at a high cost to pets and wildlife.

Advocates report a surge in missing and injured animals each year as loud explosions trigger panic, causing pets to flee homes and yards. Sheila Ford, Director of the Corozal Animal Welfare Advocates, says, “We lose a lot of animals when the fireworks are set off…so much animals are unsecured, they run off.”

Ford said pets that do not escape often suffer severe anxiety. “The ones that are home are terrified, shaking under their beds,” she said.

Animal rescue groups say the situation worsens during peak celebrations. Michelle Rudon, president of the Society for the Promotion of Animal Rescue and Kindness (SPARK), said volunteers are flooded with distress calls to rescue missing pets.

Veterinarians warn that the fear can lead to serious injuries. Dr Jane Crawford of the Animal Medical Centre said frightened animals often run into traffic or injure themselves trying to escape.

“Here at the clinic, we see the aftereffects of this because we get the animals that come in, get lost, get on the streets, get hit.”

Crawford said her clinic performed three emergency surgeries on Christmas Day, including one case where a pet jumped from a veranda.

Advocates also point out that fireworks and firecrackers are classified as explosives under Belize’s Dangerous Goods Act, which requires a licence for sale and use. Halima Santos of SPARK questioned the widespread illegal use.

“These things are supposed to be sold to those with licences,” Santos said. “These things are sold illegally. You are telling me everyone in their homes has these dynamites, and it is ok?”

Animal welfare groups are now calling for stronger enforcement and policy changes. Ford has suggested limiting fireworks to specific hours, while Rudon is calling for a ban on firecrackers.

“If it was up to me, I would ban them completely,” Rudon said.