||| FROM SUSAN SLAPIN |||
Fourth of July and New Years seem to be the times… There are other ways to commemorate holidays, and create something that benefits humans and animals in a kind, fun, entertaining and positive way.
Fireworks
Animals are absolutely shaking, trembling, and terrified…I’ve seen it again recently – first hand. Dogs panic, shake and tremble. Some run if given the open field.Horses often run and flee, with severe injury resulting – often irreversible and life threatening.Birds fright, fly long distances disoriented. and leave near hatched eggs to die. Deer run in terror, where will they go, or be hurt on the run? Farm animals are stunned and traumatized.
The heavy metals from the color “dyes” proceed into the environment/atmosphere and pollute ground and water; These chemicals do not just disappear or evaporate, people then oblivious to the consequences – consume the toxins.
The possibility of fires, especially during “fire season” – someone of any age, possibly getting hurt or burned, by “accident.” Cars have caught fire from storing fireworks. Irresponsible people set the colored bombs off in our neighborhoods (just happened)…isn’t that illegal?
All of this for adolescent temporary amusement -glee, to witness colorful exploding aggressive bombardments in the sky. What kind of “glory”? is that? With all of the wars going on in the world, we need less to remind us of military atrocities – never. goes. well.
I get that the fireworks are beautiful. I certainly understand the love of color…but the mini-bombs are not worth the moments of narrow sighted “entertainment” and irreversible destruction they actually cause in midst and aftermath. And any money that may have been spent on the colored booming flares, could go instead to help those in need, feed low income families on the island, support single Moms and their children, help some with rent or medical conditions in an emergency fund, help with needed ferry tickets, provide funds to the Community Resource Center, Food Bank, etc. – doing the island long term good rather than short term “amusement” with sadly, often irreversible and actual damage.
Thank you for absorbing this email and next year, how about a light show? No-one gets hurt. If there is a Committee forming to support the contents of this email and perhaps suggest or provide alternative options, I ‘d like to sign- up.
I realize not all will resonate with the above content, but I’m here, with many many others, to speak for our animal – winged, and human populations, and the immediate environment.
JUST – CARE. It’s not that difficult. Light Show…Lots of colored lights!!!
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Petition to End Public Fireworks
We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon our local leaders and event organizers to end public fireworks displays.
While fireworks have long been associated with festivities, the significant harm they cause to
animals, the environment, and public resources can no longer be ignored.
The explosive noise and bright flashes from fireworks cause extreme distress to countless domestic animals and wildlife. Dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals frequently experience intense fear, panic, and anxiety during fireworks displays. Many attempt to escape, resulting in injuries, disappearances, and, in some cases, death.
Wildlife is equally affected.
Birds are startled from their nests, often flying blindly into buildings, power lines, or other hazards. Nocturnal animals abandon feeding
Fireworks release large amounts of fine particulate matter, heavy metals, and other pollutants into the air.
These emissions contribute to poor air quality and can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, particularly among children, older adults, and individuals with existing heart or lung disease.
By signing this petition, we affirm that celebrations should reflect our shared values of compassion, environmental responsibility, fiscal accountability, and respect for all living beings.