Why I Say No to Fireworks (and why you should too)

Originally posted July 2, 2022, updated and republished July 3, 2025 with new thoughts

Oh Kimberly, don't be such a stick in the mud, you might say, everyone loves fireworks. That is actually not true, in fact, fireworks aren't fun for many human animals and other-than human animals alike.

Here are my 6 reasons to avoid fireworks, in no particular order - I mean both setting them off at home and attending larger scale events.

1. Our companion animals are severely frightened. Do your cats hide under the bed? Mine have absolutely been startled and frightened, running around the house unsure where to go to escape the sounds. Every dog I've ever lived with has either shaken in fear, lost control of their bowels, and/or hid in the tub or some other "safe" space to escape the war they hear raging outside the windows. Some dogs, cats, and horses may bolt when fireworks are exploding, leaving them at risk of being lost, hit by cars, and worse. Smaller creatures like rabbits, gerbils, mice...etc. can be startled to death by the booming of fireworks.

2. Birds can become disoriented and lose their way, they may not make it home to their nest and their babies will starve. They crash into buildings. Terrified birds will sometimes fly so far over water, either due to fear or disorientation over water at night, that they cannot physically make it back to land.

3. Shelters and Wildlife groups note an increase in traumatized and/or injured animals during "holidays" where fireworks are common.

4. Fireworks can be horrifying and triggering for those with PTSD as well as those who are neurodivergent. Can you imagine subjecting someone to the most terrifying moments in their lives just so a bunch of people can look at some pretty colors in the sky?

5. They damage the environment. Fireworks are comprised of hazardous and toxic chemicals which wind up in the soil and water where they land, this presents risk to drinking water and local wild animal habitats as well as human residents. Animals might eat debris from exploded fireworks, these are toxic and can also be choking hazards.

6. While the U.S. as a country may still be free from English rule, groups of citizens of this country have either never had full freedom or are currently watching those freedoms dwindle. Hardly a reason to celebrate. Even if there were reason to celebrate this weekend, we can do it without causing the distress and destruction noted above.

Animals react the way they do to fireworks because of the startle response. This Is a natural and necessary response we all have, animals and humans alike, because It helps us avoid or remove ourselves from danger. Many humans can avoid or dampen the startle response in certain situations because we know what Is coming. We know there will be loud bangs, whistles, and screeching during a fireworks display. The animals, whether In our homes or In the wild, absolutely cannot know this. These sounds are terrifying and unexplainable.

How can you do your part to protect those are terrified by fireworks?

1. Stay home - help your companion animals and humans stay calm by doing what you can to drown out the booming of the fireworks. Check out this article from PETA for more tips on how to keep your loved ones safe.

2. Don't attend local fireworks shows and let your community know why you won't be attending. Communities will stop hosting events if no one is showing up, there is power in numbers.

3. I've seen this suggestion online many times in the last few weeks: take the money you were going to spend on fireworks (or the transportation to go see fireworks) and buy some food to donate to your local animal shelter. I'd also encourage you to take a look at and donate to farmed animal sanctuaries, wild life rehabbers, and those who are working every day to keep animals safe.

   
   

   If you're looking to donate some money this weekend, Wild Bird Fund will absolutely (sadly) see an influx of patients this weekend. You'll learn a lot just by following them on Instagram, I highly recommend it! https://www.instagram.com/wildbirdfund/

   • Wild Bird Fund - NYC - https://www.wildbirdfund.org/

   
   

In reading more about fireworks and their impact on wildlife, domestic animals, and the environment, there is only 1 reason I can see that people would still use to justify fireworks displays. "Because we like it." When we want to do something we like that doesn't cause harm to others, sure, have at it. But, when this arbitrary activity causes harm to so many and has the potential to hurt so many more, is this even a justification at all? I think not.

Have you thought about this before? Growing up with fireworks as a common celebratory event, many of us have not. That's okay, when we know better, we do better, right? How will you take action? Tell me in the comments below!

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