Mumbai: Currently, 15-20 pigeons, crows, owls and sparrows, along with two cats and four dogs are under treatment at the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), Parel, all casualties of indiscriminate use of fireworks by the public. Though the number of injured animals has come down by 40 per cent this year, as compared to last year, birds continue to be most-affected by firecrackers such as rockets, as the resultant fumes can cause them breathing difficulties mid-air, as a result of which they fall and suffer injuries.
The reduction in number of injured animals could be attributed to growing awareness about the health hazards of firecrackers, according to the BSPCA chief executive officer (CEO) and secretary, Dr JC Khanna.
As per data from the BSPCA, currently, around 20-25 injured animals and birds are undergoing treatment in hospital. “Last year, nearly 40 animals and birds were injured in Diwali-related incidents. But this year, the number has decreased by 40 per cent and they are currently under treatment,” said Dr Khanna. “When crackers are burst, they release toxic gases into the atmosphere like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen and potassium. Birds are brought in with breathing difficulties,” added Dr Khanna.
Firecrackers can have three detrimental effects on animals – give them physical or burn injuries, eye infection and respiratory problems. Besides these, they also tend to develop a fear psychosis. “Most of these animals and birds were feeling uneasy and were disinclined to eat. All of them suffered burns, fractures and a few of them lost their vision. They also lose appetite and vomit the food they eat.”
Animal activists and experts said since dogs hear sound at a louder volume than humans, the noise scares them and they move out of their territories. “Since dogs are territorial animals, when they enter other dogs’ territory, they are attacked. Displacement is the major problem that dogs suffer during Diwali,” added experts.