For Immediate Release:
June 26, 2008

Contact:
Daphna Nachminovitch 757-622-7382

Sacramento, Calif. - After learning that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is actively discouraging Californians from buying fireworks because of fire safety concerns, PETA faxed a letter to the governor praising him this move, which the group says will also help protect animals. PETA wants the governor to take another step and make California the first state to switch to laser and light shows as a safe, impressive, and humane alternative to mega-fireworks displays.

PETA points out that Fourth of July fireworks sound like a world war to animals, who don't realize that the explosions are entertainment, not danger. After fireworks displays, animal shelters report an increase in the number of lost animal companions. Many animals panic and jump over fences, and some even jump through plate-glass windows to try to escape the terrifying sounds. Lucky animals are reunited with their families, but others are never found. Some animals suffer serious injuries, or they're hit by cars or killed in other ways as they flee.

PETA's letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger follows. For more information, please visit PETA's Web site HelpingAnimals.com.

Note: PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the exploitation and abuse of animals. PETA takes no position in support of or opposition to any candidate for public office. A candidate's overall qualifications for public office should not be judged based on his or her position on a few selected issues.

June 26, 2008

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

On behalf of PETA’s more than 2 million members and supporters worldwide, thank you for urging Californians not to buy fireworks for their Fourth of July festivities. There may be more to this than you know: If the public heeds your advice, it will certainly be cause for celebration for the millions of other California residents who suffer each time a massive fireworks display is detonated. I am referring to the dogs and cats and wildlife who share your state. Please consider the facts below and our suggestion.

Fireworks explosions often produce blind panic in birds and other animals and can lead to serious injury, deep-rooted and debilitating fears, loss of young animals, and even death. Animals do not know that the terrifying loud bangs are a celebration, and one can only imagine what they think given how much more sensitive their hearing is compared to ours.

Whenever there’s a major fireworks display, local animal shelters take in traumatized dogs and cats who have run away from their homes in a panic. Shelters have reported animals arriving with bloody paws from running, torn skin from crashing through backyard fences, and even crippled bodies from being hit by cars during their frantic escape. Not surprisingly, animal shelters receive more calls about missing animals in the aftermath of Fourth of July fireworks than at any other time of the year. Tragically, many animals never make it home.

Wild animals suffer terribly, too, and not just from the noise that petrifies them. With every explosion, chemical emissions and particle-laden smoke are sent into the atmosphere, damaging the environment and the animals’ air and space. As a consequence, fireworks threaten birds, squirrels, and other species.

Instead of having massive fireworks displays, which can seem more like War of the Worlds than a summertime celebration to animals, I urge you to consider making California the first U.S. state to put on spectacular laser and light shows for the Fourth of July and other occasions. Thank you again for all that you do for animals and the world community.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk
President
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping animal abuse. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.