Even if Ban From Drought Is Lifted, Crowd-Pleasing and Animal-Friendly Laser Show Is the Way to Go, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
June 16, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Mobile, Ala. — After learning that the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department has barred fireworks in the city because of the ongoing drought, PETA has sent an urgent letter to both Mayor Samuel Jones and Barbara Drummond, who oversees the city's display, imploring them to cancel the scheduled Fourth of July fireworks show—even if the even if the fire chief approves plans to hold the fireworks over the river—and to hold a dazzling laser light show instead. Although the ban applies only to fireworks launched over land, holding the display over water would contaminate the water with debris, much of it likely toxic. In the letter, PETA points out that bright, awe-inspiring laser shows are kinder to animals and the environment. As an added incentive, PETA has offered to dispatch a bevy of beauties wearing American flag bikinis to hand out free veggie dogs to Independence Day revelers at the event.
"Fireworks displays are a nightmare for both domestic and wild animals," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "By switching to laser shows, Mobile can wow watchers and protect animals at the same time."
To dogs, cats, and other animals, fireworks displays must seem more like World War III than a celebration. After these displays, animal shelters nationwide report an increase in the number of lost companion animals. Many animals go missing because they panic and jump over fences or break chains; some even jump through plate-glass windows in order to get away from the terrifying sounds. Some animals are reunited with their families, but others are never found or are hit by cars or killed in other ways as they flee.
Fireworks displays are also disastrous for wildlife. Besides being frightening, fireworks produce plumes of smoke that are harmful to animals' respiratory systems and pollute standing water. The California Coastal Commission banned the city of Gualala's fireworks display after a 2006 show caused nesting seabirds to flee their nests and abandon their chicks. And just this year, fireworks have been blamed for the deaths of approximately 5,000 birds in Arkansas. Laser light shows provide a safe and entertaining alternative to fireworks because they are quieter and produce no smoke or chemical pollution.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.