The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is asking the City of Pittsburgh to forgo the fireworks for next year’s 250th Independence Day celebration, instead offering something more “animal-friendly.”
In a letter sent to Pittsburgh CitiParks, PETA is asking the city to switch to a “dazzling drone or light show”.
They say the loud sound from fireworks are “terrifying for cats and dogs, who have been known to jump fences or break through windows and screen doors in a frantic attempt escape the chaos.”
Not all, but many dogs and cats can’t stand the sound of a fireworks display.
“Fireworks sound like actual ‘bombs bursting in air’ to animals, who panic and are often injured or even killed as they try to escape some horror they don’t understand,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is urging Pittsburgh to make its Independence Day celebration a blast for everyone by opting for a spectacular drone or laser light show.”
If the city is willing to make the switch, PETA says they will “help sponsor the celebration” and will also bring a vegan ice cream truck to the celebration.
In addition to pets, loud fireworks displays can also trigger veteran and others suffering from PTSD.