July 6, 2012
To: [Waterbury, Conn.]
From: David Perle 202-483-7382, ext. 2194; DavidP@peta.org
Re: PETA Thanks Waterbury for Canceling Fourth of July Fireworks
Dogs, Cats, Wildlife, Human Respiratory Systems, and City Budget All Benefit From Fireworks-Free Celebrations
In response to Waterbury's decision to cancel this year's Fourth of July fireworks display because of budgeting issues, PETA has sent a letter—along with a box of animal cookies—to Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary to thank him for the city's decision. In the letter, PETA explains that fireworks displays can hurt humans; frighten dogs and cats, causing distress so severe that some of them crash through windows or run for the hills; and harm wildlife, including nesting birds. PETA encourages the mayor to hold environmentally friendly, humane, and less costly celebrations in the future.
"To animals, fireworks really are 'bombs bursting in air'—they're loud and threatening to wildlife as well as to dogs and cats," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETA hopes Waterbury will consider making future festivities as animal-friendly as this year's."
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA's letter to Mayor Neil O'Leary follows.
July 6, 2012
The Honorable Neil M. O'Leary
Mayor of Waterbury, Conn.
1 page via fax: 203-574-6804
Dear Mayor O'Leary,
On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands across Connecticut, thank you for skipping the fireworks this Fourth of July. As evidence mounts about the dangers of fireworks for people, dogs, cats, wildlife, and the environment, we ask that you please seriously consider saving money and lives by abandoning this display permanently.
Animal shelters report an increase in the number of lost dogs and cats following fireworks displays. Many animals go missing because they panic and jump over fences or break their chains, and some even jump through glass windows in order to get away from the terrifying sounds. Besides being frightening, fireworks produce plumes of smoke that are harmful to human respiratory systems and that pollute waterways. Just two examples of places where these displays are especially dangerous include Narrowsburg, New York—the "bald-eagle capital" of New York—which canceled its longtime Fourth of July fireworks display this year over concerns for the local bald-eagle population after many baby eagles fled their nests last year, startled by the loud fireworks. Also last year, fireworks were blamed for the deaths of thousands of birds in Arkansas. Such tragedies are not limited to birds: Every year, Americans are injured or killed in fireworks accidents, and toxic pollutants from fireworks displays can exacerbate asthma and other health problems.
While some Waterbury residents may have been disappointed to miss the show, hopefully the knowledge that animals, the Earth, and people with asthma got a break will make them proud. I think young people are especially happy to break with traditions that prove too taxing on the citizenry and the environment.
Sincerely yours,
Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President
P.S. As thank for skipping fireworks this year, we are sending you some delicious vegan cookies for you and your staff to enjoy.