Thursday, 04 November 2021 | Pioneer
Diwali is a joyous occasion, but the noise and smoke become a curse for stray animals
The festival of lights is here. Markets are lit up and crowded, sweets are in high demand, ethnic attires are out of the closet and employees are receiving their ‘Diwali bonus’ and gifts. The days around this festival bring great joy, don’t they? However, what they also bring is a traumatising experience for pets and strays alike. Diyas are essentially the essence of this festival; however, firecrackers have changed the way we celebrate it. We have somehow learned to enjoy noise and smoke. Firecrackers not only contribute to severe levels of air and noise pollution but also affect animals adversely. Dogs and cats have highly sensitive hearing abilities, the continuous loud bursts literally unnerve them. Dogs get really anxious and try to hide under tables, howl or bark excessively, unable to stand the din of crackers. It can cause them nervous breakdown or even visual impairment when exposed to a sudden burst of light. If that’s not enough, there have been cases where crackers are tied to animals and then lit. Birds have wings but are not spared either, the pollution and smoke of crackers can make them partially blind. They are forced to flee their shelters and many meet with accidents.
Our celebrations should not be at the cost of their health. We must find ways to protect and soothe our pets. It’s advised to keep them indoors and away from crackers. Spending time with them, feeding them their favourite food can make them feel secure and comfortable. The Delhi Government had in September ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of crackers in view of the rising air pollution. Since then, the Delhi Police arrested 55 people and seized more than 6,000 kg of firecrackers in the Capital. This comes both as relief and a cause of worry because the black market sale of crackers could still be underway. Further, such bans should be imposed in not only Delhi but other States as well. Indeed, festivities are a reason for joy for humans; however, if it becomes a traumatic affair for animals then we must reconsider the way we celebrate. Even during Holi, cows and dogs are sprinkled with colours which might be toxic. Engaging with animals in such festivities might seem like a kind and loving gesture, but it could be the other way round for them.
