PETALING JAYA: As fireworks season is here again with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, animal rights groups are reminding pet owners and the public how to keep pets safe amid the thunderous noise and bright flashes.
Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals chairman Christine Chin said cats and dogs are easily frightened by loud noises such as those from vehicles, fireworks and firecrackers.
They will get very agitated during festive seasons with the explosive sounds of fireworks and firecrackers, she said.
“Bring your pets into the house if you can. Be near them because if you are not close by, they might run off.
“As for dogs, they are very easily pacified. Just stand next to your dog and it will calm down,” said Chin when asked yesterday.
As for those who wish to set off fireworks, Chin suggested they do so away from residential areas.
“They can find an empty area outside neighbourhoods or any fields far from houses,” she said.
She also reminded owners to put up their pets with reputable boarders if they leave town for a few days.
Animal crime analyst and Malaysia Animal Association president Arie Dwi Andika said it is in the animals’ nature to easily panic or be startled at loud noises such as thunder and fireworks, and that the sounds can be frightening and even dangerous for both domesticated animals and strays.
“It’s an unhealthy reaction when animals get scared as this will lead to them being traumatised and stressed out.
“For animals that are very sensitive to noise, the din from fireworks could cause them to feel insecure and become fearful or aggressive.
“They could fall sick due to trauma and serious distress, which might even lead to heart attacks and other serious health problems such as kidney disease and organ dysfunction,” he said.
Arie urged the authorities to restore strict enforcement on fireworks and curb such activities.
“We want the police to enforce the law so that the situation does not become a burden to animals, and we believe that many of those who play with fireworks are also pet owners,” he said.
Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better said people who are going away to celebrate the festivities must either take their pets with them or ensure the chosen boarding facility is not overcrowded.
“When there is overcrowding, the care will be compromised and the pets will end up falling sick,” said its canine welfare project director Irene Low.
She added that there must not be a repeat of the Petknode incident during Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2011.
Overcrowding at the Petknode Online Pet Store boarding centre resulted in some pet cats dying and many more falling gravely ill, said Low.
The boarding centre had taken in far too many cats than it could handle and cages were found to be stacked on top of each other when animal rescuers broke into the place.
Some of the cats died of starvation as the centre’s two operators were unable to cope.
“They were subsequently fined under the Animals Act 1953,” Low added.
As for dog owners, she said they should be cautious and keep their gates closed and their pets secure.
“Since there may be open houses if there are Malay residents, it is best to put in extra effort to ensure your dog does not wander around,” she said.
In February this year, the Cabinet agreed to legalise the use of firecrackers and fireworks.
Among the guidelines announced by the Home Ministry for the use of firecrackers and fireworks are that these cannot be sold online and to those below 18.
Only 46 types of fireworks and firecrackers from two brands are allowed.
