Fireworks Harm Animals
(Reference links provided where available.)

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Good evening, everyone. Today, I will be presenting on the harmful effects of fireworks on animals. While fireworks are a popular form of celebration, they can have significant negative impacts on both domestic and wild animals. In this presentation, I will outline the various ways fireworks can harm animals and provide some alternatives for more animal-friendly celebrations.

We will look at Effects on Animals fireworks has.

Noise and Stress
Fireworks produce loud noises that can be terrifying and overwhelming for animals, causing them to become frightened and stressed[1,2]. Many animals have more sensitive hearing than humans, making the explosions even more disturbing and potentially damaging to their hearing. The sudden, loud noises can trigger a fight-or-flight response in animals, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and panic. This can result in animals injuring themselves while trying to escape, running away, or reacting with aggression[3].

Disorientation and Habitat Disruption
The noise and commotion of fireworks can cause animals to flee from their familiar environments, leading to disorientation and an increased risk of accidents[1,4]. Wildlife rehabilitation centers often see an influx of traumatized, injured, and orphaned animals after firework displays[1]. Fireworks can also disrupt wildlife habitats and nesting sites, causing animals to abandon their nests or habitats entirely[4,5]. This disturbance can have long-term effects on their survival and reproductive success[5].

Pollution and Health Effects
Fireworks release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the air and water, contaminating the surrounding environment[5]. These pollutants can negatively affect wildlife that relies on these resources for survival, either through ingestion or contamination of their habitats[5]. Moreover, fireworks contribute to air, soil, and water pollution, which can have implications for both human and animal health[6].

Now I present 3 Animal-Friendly Alternatives
To minimize the harm caused by fireworks, consider these animal-friendly alternatives for your celebrations:

Laser shows: A laser show can provide a visually stunning display without the loud noises and pollution associated with fireworks[7].

Drone light shows: Drone light shows have been used in large events as a more environmentally friendly and quieter alternative to fireworks[7].

Indoor celebrations: Hosting an indoor celebration with friends and family can be a fun and safe way to enjoy the festivities without causing distress to animals.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while fireworks are a popular and visually impressive form of celebration, they can have significant negative impacts on both domestic and wild animals. By considering alternative forms of celebration and being mindful of the effects of fireworks on animals, we can help to create a more compassionate and environmentally friendly approach to our festivities. Thank you for your attention.

[1] https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/fireworks-explosion-fear-animals
[2] https://www.animal-ethics.org/how-fireworks-harm-nonhuman-animals/
[3] https://www.aspca.org/news/four-ways-fourth-july-fireworks-can-harm-our-pets
[4] https://www.fws.gov/story/keeping-wildlife-safe-independence-day
[5] https://ahconnects.org/animals-and-fireworks/
[6] https://www.earth.com/news/fireworks-can-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-wildlife/
[7] https://www.freshered.com/firework-alternatives-that-are-pet-friendly-to-keep-the-whole-family-happy/

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Good afternoon. My presentation will be on the harmful effects of fireworks on various types of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, wildlife, marine life, horses, and farm animals. Fireworks can have significant negative impacts on both domestic and wild animals.

Dogs and Cats
Fireworks produce loud noises that can be terrifying and overwhelming for dogs and cats, causing them to become frightened and stressed. Some pets can panic and cause injury to themselves while trying to escape, some may run away, and some may react with aggression. Additionally, fireworks can stay hot enough to burn a cat's mouth for a long time, and many fireworks rely on heavy metals for their color effects, which can be toxic if a cat licks them.

Birds
Fireworks can be dangerous to birds, as the loud noises and bright flashes can cause them to flee and collide with buildings, cars, and trees. In some cases, fireworks have caused mass-scale bird deaths, such as the 2011 incident in Arkansas where 5,000 red-winged blackbirds died after colliding with various obstacles due to fireworks. In Rome, the 2021 New Year's Eve fireworks ban was ignored and hundreds of birds died. Fireworks can also cause birds to abandon their nests, leaving their young vulnerable to predators.

Wildlife
Wildlife rehabilitation centers often see an influx of traumatized, injured, and orphaned animals after firework displays. The sudden, loud noises can trigger a fight-or-flight response in wild animals, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and panic. This can result in animals injuring themselves while trying to escape or running away.

Marine Life
Fireworks release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the air and water, contaminating the surrounding environment. These pollutants can negatively affect marine life that relies on these resources for survival, either through ingestion or contamination of their habitats.

Horses and Farm Animals
Fireworks can cause stress and fear in horses and other farm animals, as they are flight animals and will generally try to remove themselves from a stressful or scary situation. This could result in injury if they attempt to jump a fence or climb over a stable door. As just one example, a six-year-old Irish horse named Harry  impaled himself on a fence after being spooked by fireworks causing the owner Laura Roberts to campaign for a total ban. In some cases, the herd mentality of farm animals can cause them to panic, leading to dangerous situations. A New Zealand survey on the management of horses during fireworks reported running, breaking through fences, injuries ranging from lacerations, strains and sprains to most serious of all, broken limbs "an injury which most usually results in euthanasia".

In conclusion, fireworks have significant negative impacts on various types of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, wildlife, marine life, horses, and farm animals. By considering alternative forms of celebration, such as laser and drone shows, and being mindful of the effects of fireworks on animals, we can help to create a more compassionate and environmentally friendly approach to our festivities. Thank you for your attention.

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