Hyderabad: Diwali festivities are harmful for animals just as they are harmful for humans. Despite animal rescue organisations releasing advisories for an animal friendly and safe Diwali, there has been no respite for animals from injuries this Diwali.
Vasanthi Vadi, the president of People For Animals, Hyderabad, says, “Pets are sheltered and protected so these two days with loud noises and celebrations can be traumatic.
“Stray dogs have it worse. They do not have people to comfort them. They get irritated and begin barking which annoys people who shoo away by throwing crackers.”
Animal rescue organisations say that the guidelines for easy identification of pets and ensuring fewer runaway cases were not followed by many. Many animals were found running across roads yesterday in fear of flying sparks and loud noises.
Soundharm Bhandari of the Greater Hyderabad Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) said, “We have found many runaway pets. Despite asking owners to keep name tags to help in easy identification, many have not done so. We are constantly coordinating with shelters to find out if an owner has put forth a missing complaint.
“We also saw many injuries in animals, especially dogs and kittens were hurt by crackers.”
A buffalo was hurt at Sitaphalmandi due to bursting of crackers. Animal rescuers say that it wasn’t a serious case.
N.G. Jayasimha, the managing director of Humane Society International, India says, “Social change is a long time process. There is increased awareness for animal rights now, but there is no impact that we can measure as of now.”
