Main image via Daily Mail + Sky News + Wanted in Rome
Fireworks. They mark a special occasion, they’re pretty, they’re loud, they’re big and bold, but, they’re also dangerous.
Not only are fireworks dangerous to humans (if they explode in your hand, face, etc), they’re also dangerous to animals.
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Those of us with pets know how fireworks can affect them. Many pets will start freaking out, try to run-and-hide or even display signs of anxiety like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.
During the recent New Year’s Eve celebrations, hundreds of birds were believed to have been “frightened to death” by fireworks in what animal rights groups are calling a “massacre”.
The incident took place near Rome’s main train station and videos show dozens and dozens of birds – mostly starlings – scattered lifeless all over the ground.
Image via Daily Mail
Though the exact cause of death of the birds is not clear, the International Organisation for the Protection of Animals (IOPA) said that a particularly loud display of firecrackers and fireworks in a leafy neighbourhood where many birds nest, appears to be the cause.
“It can be that they died from fear,” said IOPA spokesperson Loredana Diglio. “They can fly up together and knock against each other, or hit windows or electric power lines. Let’s not forget that they can also die of heart attacks.”
Each year, firework displays cause distress and injury to both wild and domestic animals, she added.
Image via Sky News
Speaking to The Mail Online, Diego - who was working as a taxi driver on new Year’s Eve, was shocked to see hundreds of dead birds all over the roads.
“I was on duty during the hours of my work when I was passing though via Cavour, a street near the central train station,” he said. “I did not understand at first what was on the ground, later I realised that they were dead birds, and there were hundreds of them.”
“A really bad scene,” Diego added. “It was about 00:40 and the causes could be due to the fireworks, at least that’s the first thing I thought. I’m not a scientist or a veterinarian, so I can’t take responsibility for saying with certaintly that that was the reason.”
As mentioned however, the cause of death of the birds has yet to be determined and may not have actually been caused by the fireworks.
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), there is “little evidence” to suggest that fireworks harm wild birds or affect their conservation status.
The IOPA has urged caution to the use of fireworks and said that it will “continue to monitor the situation and research to ensure the best course of action for wild bird conservation.”
“To minimise any adverse impact of fireworks on birds, we urge organisers of firework displays to avoid launching the rockets near to sensitive wildlife areas, such as nature reserves, and nesting and roosting sites for wild birds,” the IOPA advised.
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It’s definitely sad to see so many birds losing their lives in this manner. Hopefully the authorities will be able to figure out the exact cause of their deaths.
In the meantime, please remember that fireworks are dangerous and cause distress to animals so be sure to be responsible with your celebrations.
Do your pets hate fireworks? Let us know what you do to comfort them!
Info via Daily Mail + Sky News