July 6, 2012
To: [Lakewood, Ohio]
From: David Perle 202-483-7382, ext. 2194; DavidP@peta.org
Re: PETA Thanks Lakewood for Canceling Fourth of July Fireworks
Dogs, Cats, Wildlife, Human Respiratory Systems, and City Budget All Benefit From Fireworks-Free Celebrations
In response to Lakewood's decision to cancel this year's Fourth of July fireworks display and not reschedule it after a computer glitch shut down Wednesday night's planned show, PETA has sent a letter—along with a box of animal cookies—to Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers 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 Lakewood will consider making future festivities as animal-friendly as this year's."
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA's letter to Mayor Mike Summers follows.
July 6, 2012
The Honorable Mike Summers
Mayor of Lakewood, Ohio
Via e-mail:
Dear Mayor Summers,
On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands across Ohio, thank you for skipping, albeit unintentionally, the fireworks this Fourth of July and for not rescheduling. As evidence mounts about the dangers of fireworks for people, dogs, cats, wildlife, and the environment, we ask that you 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 Lakewood 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 especially are 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 a thank-you for skipping the fireworks this year, even though you didn't mean to, we are sending some delicious vegan cookies for you and your staff to enjoy.