Hyderabad: With animal rights activists voicing concern over the effect that loud crackers will have on pets and animals, veterinarians have suggested that people can tie a soft scarf on the ears of pets and stray animals to protect them from loud noises during Diwali. They suggested providing them shelter, at least on the festival night. The vets cautioned against overfeeding the animals as they could vomit because of the loud noise of the fire crackers.
It has been reported that the loud sound of crackers leaves animals and birds frightened. Some of them suffer burns; trauma and panic attacks are not uncommon.
“The loud noise of the crackers scares the animals and they try to hide. They cannot think properly. While running for shelter, they get hit by vehicles,” said Prashanth Sharma, a veterinarian.
Dr J.D. Wilson, deputy director, veterinary section, GHMC, said that the department does not keep a count of animal deaths during the festival. He said that the birds were prone to getting heart attacks when crackers are burst in their vicinity. “Dogs are clever and can hide. Mostly we do not see burns cases among them,” he said.
Veterinarians contradicted him and said they treat several severe burn cases among animals which are brought in rescuers. “Other than burns, the dogs and the cats go through severe psychological disturbances that cause seizure, which sometimes last life-long. They go through trauma which lasts for more than a week,” said senior veterinarian Vishwanath Raju.
Dr Wilson said that his team rescues animals that need help. He added that the police do arrest those who torture the animals.
Animal rescuer and activist Akhil Kumar Elipe said that every festive season, he along with his team members would be busy rescuing animals. “People burst crackers near trees. birds get injured. Puppies and kittens are hurt, especially kittens and cats as they are territory based animals. Dogs run when they are scared and find a safe spot for themselves," he said.
