Make this festival of lights safe for your pets

While Diwali is a festival of lights and fireworks for us, for pets it’s a nightmare as they tremble, shiver and sometimes even get injured by firecrackers.

Light, noise and colour can be frightening and stressful for animals.

Thousands of animals suffer burns every year from firecrackers. Moreover, animal shelters report a dramatic increase in pets getting lost during the celebration.

Humane Society International/India managing director N. G Jayasimha said: “Loud fireworks display cause noise, which can be stressful for our pets. It’s best to choose small crackers and ensure a safe Diwali for our furry friends at home and around our neighbourhood.”

The Humane Society International/India has listed out simple tips as precautions to follow to ensure that pets have a comfortable time during Diwali.

Geeta Seshamani of Friendicoes said: “We get a lot of panic stricken pets/strays because of the loud and sudden explosions. Injuries to animals are common during Diwali but what is most worrying are injuries caused on the face region. Delhi has seen a fall in the number of lost and injured animals when compared to previous years as the State government has taken out an aggressive campaign against crackers, we hope that adequate awareness among the general public will keep the animals of the city safe this Diwali.”