Humane Society Expects Influx of Animals Due to Fireworks
This video is no longer available.
With the holiday weekend approaching, firework safety is on the minds of many families. But for humane societies, the fireworks that come with the Fourth can mean a surge of furry friends. The booms and blasts created by fireworks may be enough to send Fido running – straight to the animal shelter. “The fireworks often scare many pets,” said Danya McMurtrey of the Jackson-Madison County Humane Society. “Dogs or cats both will break out of fences that they normally couldn’t get out of.” McMurtrey says the JMC Humane Society sees a large influx of “July 4th dogs” – dogs spooked by the commotion involved with Independence Day. “Anywhere from six to 10 pets that do have owners after a holiday like that,” said McMurtrey. “The noises just scare them and they kind of freak out.” Microchips and collars help shelters to return pets to their rightful owners, but the best bet is to keep them indoors. “If you have a crate, if your dog is accustom to a crate, that might be a good idea,” said McMurtrey. “But definitely make sure gates are locked, and find a way to secure them.” Even if your pup handles stress well, she says it’s better to err on the side of caution. “Even if your dog isn’t scared of noises – fireworks are completely different,” said McMurtrey. Should your pet escape, JMC Humane Society has a 72-hour grace period which allows pet owners to re-claim missing pets without an adoption fee.
