Ron Perlman in PETA PSA: Fireworks at Niagara Falls? Hell No!
“Fireworks every night? Seriously?!” That’s the message that Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy star Ron Perlman is sending to Niagara Falls Tourism in PETA’s new fired-up video, in which he urges the organization to end its Summer Fireworks Series and stop terrorizing wildlife, cats, and dogs with 151 nights of fireworks over the falls through October 13.
“Imagine dogs, cats, birds, deer, and other animals panicking every single night for months,” Perlman says. “The falls are already a wonder. You don’t need gimmicks like fireworks to bring people in.”
He’s right: As a top international tourist attraction and natural wonder for over 200 years, Niagara Falls doesn’t need to rely on dangerous spectacles that traumatize animals to draw in tourists—its breathtaking beauty speaks for itself.
It’s Time to Let Fireworks Fizzle
For companion animals, fireworks aren’t fun—they’re terrifying. The loud, unpredictable explosions can cause dogs, cats, and other animals to tremble, hide, or even run away in fear. Every year, shelters report a surge in lost animals following fireworks displays, as dogs and cats are known to jump fences or break through windows and screen doors to try to escape the noises. Dogs have arrived at shelters with bloody paws or serious injuries such as broken bones, and some are hit by cars or strangled when their collars become caught on fences.
With several companion animals at home, the actor knows the terror that ear-shattering fireworks can cause and urged fans to celebrate Independence Day responsibly in a recent PETA video.
Fireworks also harm wildlife, who are often hit by cars when they flee onto roads during the explosions. Pyrotechnics also release toxins—including lead, carbon monoxide, aluminum, and sulfur—which can increase the amount of pollutants in the air by up to 42%.
In addition to disorienting and distressing animals, fireworks also pose the risk of sparking wildfires. As a Los Angeles resident, Perlman has seen firsthand how wildfires can devastate a community. Earlier this year, fires in Southern California burned 20,000 acres, caused roughly $25 billion in property damage, and killed 12 humans and countless other animals.
PETA to Niagara Falls: Dazzle Without the Detonation
Perlman’s powerful PSA is the latest move in PETA’s campaign to turn up the heat on Niagara Falls Tourism over its relentless fireworks displays. From blasting a billboard ad blitz to sending the association a “Wow Without the Pow” package—equipped with a laser light projector and a pair of drones—we’ve been keeping the pressure on Niagara Falls to purge the pyrotechnics.
Fireworks Are Falling Out of Favor—Join Ron Perlman and Urge Niagara Falls Tourism to Embrace Animal-Friendly Festivities!
Many other communities across Ontario—including North Bay, Ottawa, Sudbury, Timmins, and Toronto—have opted for drone shows and other explosion-free displays as more people become aware of fireworks’ detrimental effects.
“Please do better,” urges Perlman in the video. “Switch to drones. Give animals, and everyone else, a break.”
More than 90,000 supporters have joined PETA’s call to push Niagara Falls officials to end these deafening displays—will YOU join them?
