In summary:
- On Halloween, fireworks were once again set off across B.C., terrifying animals, impacting humans, and polluting the environment.
- A new study found that noise pollution changes the biology or behaviour of 80% of animal species studied.
- Horse guardians in Saanich have been featured in local media outlets calling for changes to fireworks bylaws.
Fireworks impact animals, humans, and our shared environment
Each Halloween when fireworks are set off, animals across B.C. are left terrified, humans experience panic responses due to weapons-related PTSD, and harmful debris are released into our environment.
While some municipalities, such as Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver, have banned or limited the purchase and use of fireworks by consumers, many municipalities still allow consumer fireworks.
You can visit this blog post to read more about the impacts of fireworks and how you can help.
Noise pollution changes biology or behaviour in 80% of animal species studied
A new study published in the journal Science found that noise pollution affected at least one aspect of body function, development or behaviour in 80% of animal species studied.
Loud and unwanted noises like as fireworks can reshape ecosystem dynamics and cause changes in the bodies of animals such as rising stress hormones.
Animal guardians are calling for change
More than 300 people shared the VHS’s post on Halloween outlining the dangers of fireworks, and many animal guardians commented to share their own experiences of trying to comfort terrified pets.
Horse guardians in Saanich were also featured in local outlet Chek News calling for changes to bylaws after fireworks were set off for hours near horse paddocks, leaving animals stressed and frightened.
You can learn more about the fireworks bylaws throughout Metro Vancouver in this article, and use the VHS’s template to send an email to your Mayor and Council if your municipality still allows consumer fireworks.