Many people enjoy fireworks as a way to celebrate holidays or special occasions. But what is a fun spectacle for humans can be a nightmare for animals.
Anyone who has spent a Fourth of July inside calming down their terrified dog knows that animals don’t often react well to fireworks — their sensitive hearing can make it extra scary.
And tragically, sometimes that fear can turn deadly. We’ve heard plenty of stories of animals dying from shock due to fireworks outside.
Now in the latest shocking incident, hundreds of birds were found dead on New Years — apparently due to a fireworks show nearby.
The birds were found on Via Cavour in Rome on New Years Day. According to LADbible, the birds were found by a driver who described it as “an embarrassing thing, a sad, incredible thing.”
He captured the heartbreaking image of the hundreds of birds laying cold on the ground.
While the cause of the birds’ deaths has not been officially determined, it is believed to be related to a New Years Eve fireworks display nearby.
“It can be that they died from fear,” Loredana Diglio, a spokeswoman for the International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) told the Associated Press.
“They can fly up together and knock against each other, or hit windows or electric power lines. Let’s not forget they can also die of heart attacks.”
The fireworks went off despite the fact that it was a common bird nesting area, and even though there were laws on the books regulating fireworks, including a ban on personal fireworks in Rome and a 10 pm curfew, according to AP.
The incident prompted Italy’s branch of OIPA to amplify their calls for a stricter, enforced ban on fireworks.
“Every year we count hundreds of dead and injured specimens among wildlife and many injured or lost pets,” OIPA president Massimo Comparotto said in a statement.
“It’s time for the legislator to fix such a mess that affects humans too. It’s a matter of health, public order and, above all, of civility.”
These poor birds… they were killed so senselessly. While fireworks can be fun when done properly, it’s important to follow regulations and make sure you are not disturbing any nearby pets or wildlife.
We hope this incident inspires tighter regulation on fireworks so nothing like this happens again. Share this story if you agree!
