Los Angeles - Firework displays and parties are an American tradition on the Fourth of July.  However, during this time of celebration there are many dangers for our family pets.  Every year around Independence Day shelters fill up with pets, lost and injured as a result of these celebrations.  The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Los Angeles ( spcaLA ) recommends taking these simple precautions that will help keep your pet from going astray and save the life of your pet.

•  Keep pets safe and secure inside your home or a covered run.  Loud noises, such as fireworks, can cause a dog to jump a fence and run away from home or a cat to hide under a building and stay there for days. 

•  If you're not able to stay home with your pets, keep them in a cool, well-ventilated room during the evening hours with a radio playing softly in the background.  Also make sure that room is very secure as some animals panic and break through windows or screens, and many are killed in traffic as they run away from the noise. 

•  DO NOT tie your dog up outside to keep him/her from escaping.  The loud noise from the fireworks can frighten a dog making the dog more likely to attempt to escape.  Many dogs injure or kill themselves trying to get away when they are tied up.

•  ALWAYS make sure to have identification on your pet.  In the unfortunate circumstance your pet escapes this is the best way to ensure you are happily reunited with him or her.

 

For over 130 years, spcaLA has been the premiere independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California.  There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA.  Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.