In Victoria, BC, fireworks are a popular form of celebration, particularly on Canada Day and New Year’s Eve
Fireworks are a traditional form of celebration, but the noise and light they produce can be frightening and traumatic for animals. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to ban fireworks for animal welfare reasons. This article explores the animal welfare debate surrounding fireworks and whether they should be banned in Victoria, BC.
General Information and Data
Fireworks have been used for centuries to celebrate special occasions such as New Year’s Eve, Independence Day, and Canada Day. However, while fireworks can be enjoyable for humans, they can be extremely distressing for animals. The loud noises and bright flashes can trigger anxiety, stress, and fear in pets, wildlife, and livestock. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “fireworks are not only frightening for animals, but they can also cause physical harm.” The ASPCA recommends that pet owners keep their animals indoors during fireworks displays and that organizers of public fireworks displays should take steps to minimize their impact on animals.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to ban fireworks for animal welfare reasons. In fact, a number of cities around the world have already banned or restricted the use of fireworks, including some in Canada. For example, in 2020, the city of Vancouver banned the sale and use of consumer fireworks. This ban was in response to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of fireworks, as well as the impact on animal welfare.
Fireworks in Victoria, BC
In Victoria, BC, fireworks are a popular form of celebration, particularly on Canada Day and New Year’s Eve. However, concerns about animal welfare have led some people to call for a ban on fireworks in the city. In 2019, the Victoria City Council received a petition with over 16,000 signatures calling for a ban on fireworks. The petition argued that fireworks cause unnecessary harm to animals and people and that alternative forms of celebration should be encouraged.
While the Victoria City Council did not ban fireworks outright, they did take steps to address the concerns raised by the petition. In 2020, the city implemented new guidelines for public fireworks displays. The guidelines require organizers to apply for a permit, provide notice to nearby residents and businesses, and take steps to minimize the impact on animals and the environment.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The animal welfare debate surrounding fireworks is a complex issue with no easy answers. While fireworks can be enjoyable for humans, they can be traumatic and harmful to animals. Cities around the world are taking steps to restrict or ban fireworks for animal welfare reasons, and Victoria, BC is no exception. While the city has not banned fireworks outright, the implementation of new guidelines for public displays is a step in the right direction.
If you are a pet owner in Victoria, BC, it is important to take steps to minimize the impact of fireworks on your animals. This can include keeping them indoors during fireworks displays, playing soothing music, and providing a safe and comfortable space for them to retreat to. In addition, it is important to support alternatives to fireworks, such as laser light shows or quiet celebrations.
In 2021, Victoria, BC was set to cancel its annual Canada Day fireworks display due to concerns about the negative impact on local wildlife, particularly birds. However, after public outcry, the city decided to proceed with the fireworks, but with a twist. The display was modified to be shorter and quieter, with more low-level pyrotechnics and a focus on ground-based effects. The city also pledged to work with local wildlife organizations to monitor the impact on birds and other animals. The decision to proceed with the modified display was controversial, with some arguing that any fireworks display poses a risk to animal welfare, while others claimed that cancelling the event altogether would be a blow to community spirit and economic recovery after the pandemic. Ultimately, the fireworks display went ahead as planned, with organizers and local authorities monitoring the situation closely.
Why Banned ?
One of the primary reasons for the ban is the negative impact on animal welfare. Fireworks are extremely loud and can cause stress, anxiety, and fear in animals, particularly pets and wildlife. According to the BC SPCA, the loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks can cause animals to panic, run away, and become lost or injured. Additionally, the chemicals and debris from fireworks can be harmful to animals if ingested or inhaled.
The environment is also a concern when it comes to fireworks. Fireworks release harmful chemicals into the air and water, contributing to air and water pollution. The debris from fireworks, including the paper, plastic, and metal, can also cause litter and harm to wildlife if not properly disposed of.
Public safety is another issue associated with fireworks. Fireworks can be dangerous and cause serious injury if not handled properly. Additionally, the loud noises from fireworks can cause disturbance and anxiety for people with sensory sensitivities, such as individuals with autism or post-traumatic stress disorder.
In response to these concerns, some cities and countries have already implemented bans on fireworks or restricted their use to designated areas. In Victoria, BC, there have been debates and discussions about implementing a ban on fireworks, but so far, no official ban has been put in place. However, there have been efforts to mitigate the negative impact of fireworks, such as limiting their use to specific days and times, requiring permits for their use, and implementing eco-friendly alternatives such as laser light shows.
References
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (2021). Fireworks and Animal Safety. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org