Fireworks in crossfire
Online petition
A petition calling for the New Year's Eve fireworks display planned at a popular beach to be cancelled or otherwise be moved to a remote location is doing the rounds on social media platforms.
More than 150 individuals have signed an online petition calling for the municipality of Walvis Bay to cancel or alternatively move the New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Independence Beach to a remote location where it does not pose any risk to animals.
Amor Blum started the petition on 7 December, explaining that she would like to raise awareness about the negative impact the fireworks display will have on the safety of the town’s animals.
Blum pointed out that the designated location is close to residential areas where many residents have pets, more specifically dogs and cats, as well as many homeless animals roaming the streets.
“Most people tend to only see and consider the wonderful display of colour and sound, but forget that, unfortunately, it is not the same experience for everyone.
“Independence Beach might be at the city’s limits, but it is still right next to some residential areas and due to the magnitude of fireworks used, the effect can be felt throughout most of the town.”
She pointed out that the hearing capacity of animals is substantially better than that of a human.
“Dogs can hear nearly twice as many frequencies as humans or they can hear sounds four times further away than us. So if the human ear can detect a sound from a kilometre away, a dog as far as 4 km away can hear that same sound! Cats can hear frequencies almost three times higher than those humans can, and can detect sounds four to five times further away than humans are able to, their hearing is even better than that of dogs!”
Blum said that past experiences have proven that it is a terrifying time for all animals as they get scared and disorientated and, as a result, many can harm themselves in the process of running away.
“Dogs had to be rescued from the ocean, with some almost drowning in their attempt to flee and escape the nightmare last year.”
According to Blum, apart from the trauma experienced by frightened animals, the owners also go through immense sorrow and emotional distress as they search for their beloved lost pets, not knowing if they are dead or alive and if they are hungry or cold.
“We should not forget that many of our community members do not enjoy the loud bangs created by such a powerful fireworks display.
“The beach is also left in an unacceptable state with trash, plastic, and broken glass bottles scattered everywhere that needs to be cleaned up at a cost after everyone returns home.”
Amor Blum started the petition on 7 December, explaining that she would like to raise awareness about the negative impact the fireworks display will have on the safety of the town’s animals.
Blum pointed out that the designated location is close to residential areas where many residents have pets, more specifically dogs and cats, as well as many homeless animals roaming the streets.
“Most people tend to only see and consider the wonderful display of colour and sound, but forget that, unfortunately, it is not the same experience for everyone.
“Independence Beach might be at the city’s limits, but it is still right next to some residential areas and due to the magnitude of fireworks used, the effect can be felt throughout most of the town.”
She pointed out that the hearing capacity of animals is substantially better than that of a human.
“Dogs can hear nearly twice as many frequencies as humans or they can hear sounds four times further away than us. So if the human ear can detect a sound from a kilometre away, a dog as far as 4 km away can hear that same sound! Cats can hear frequencies almost three times higher than those humans can, and can detect sounds four to five times further away than humans are able to, their hearing is even better than that of dogs!”
Blum said that past experiences have proven that it is a terrifying time for all animals as they get scared and disorientated and, as a result, many can harm themselves in the process of running away.
“Dogs had to be rescued from the ocean, with some almost drowning in their attempt to flee and escape the nightmare last year.”
According to Blum, apart from the trauma experienced by frightened animals, the owners also go through immense sorrow and emotional distress as they search for their beloved lost pets, not knowing if they are dead or alive and if they are hungry or cold.
“We should not forget that many of our community members do not enjoy the loud bangs created by such a powerful fireworks display.
“The beach is also left in an unacceptable state with trash, plastic, and broken glass bottles scattered everywhere that needs to be cleaned up at a cost after everyone returns home.”
Kommentaar
Republikein
Geen kommentaar is op hierdie artikel gelaat nie