‘All of the Dazzle, None of the Danger’: PETA Urges Mayor to Switch to Drone Show for July 4

For Immediate Release:
January 5, 2026

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

Following the news that Fort Lauderdale city commissioners will discuss incorporating a drone show into the annual July Fourth celebration during tomorrow’s meeting, PETA sent a letter today to Mayor Dean Trantalis applauding the move and urging the city to ditch fireworks altogether.

PETA points out that in addition to inflicting terror on both wild and companion animals, fireworks also dump pollution into the environment and can severely affect people with sensory issues and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Dogs break through windows, birds abandon their nests, and terrified wild animals panic and bolt into the streets at the booming sound of fireworks,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “Drones offer all of the dazzle with none of the danger, and PETA urges Fort Lauderdale to kick off the new year with compassion by making the switch.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Trantalis follows.

January 5, 2026

The Honorable Dean Trantalis

Mayor of Fort Lauderdale

Dear Mayor Trantalis:

I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 10.4 million members and supporters globally, including more than 437,000 in Florida—in response to news that city officials are considering switching from a fireworks show to one using drones for future Fourth of July celebrations. We commend the city for exploring the use of state-of-the-art drones and respectfully urge you to fully eliminate fireworks. Doing so would make future celebrations more inclusive and spare noise-sensitive companion animals, wildlife, and hearing-sensitive humans from distressing explosions.

Fireworks are deeply frightening for wildlife and domestic animals. The loud booms and flashes are perceived as threats and can have devastating consequences. Terrified dogs and cats often attempt to escape the noise by breaking through doors, fences, or windows. Songbirds have been known to abandon their nests or collide with buildings and each other, while waterfowl may panic and fly to dangerously high altitudes for long periods of time, leaving them exhausted and vulnerable. Veterans and others who have post-traumatic stress disorder can also be severely affected by the noise of the explosives.

Fireworks also create significant air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals, and smoke in the air for hours or even days. Some of these toxins persist in the environment for decades and continue to pollute the air long after the fireworks end. Additionally, debris left from fireworks, including shells and heavy metals, litters the environment.

We hope Fort Lauderdale will switch to drone shows, which are far safer, produce almost no air pollution, and are more cost-effective than fireworks. Most importantly, it would allow all residents of all species to enjoy the festivities. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid Newkirk

Founder