More Explosions in NYC? PETA Urges NY Philharmonic to Fizzle the Fireworks

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2026

Contact:
Andrew Grant 202-483-7382

In a letter sent today, PETA is urging President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic Matías Tarnopolsky to eliminate fireworks at all future events, starting with this summer’s outdoor Concerts in the Parks series. PETA proposes replacing the blasts, smoke, and blinding flashes of fireworks with visually stunning drone or laser shows to spare noise-sensitive companion animals, wildlife, and humans—including gun violence survivors and veterans with PTSD—from a barrage of distressing explosions.

“The music of the New York Philharmonic is magical enough on its own, so there’s no need to terrify countless companion animals, wildlife, and PTSD survivors with the deafening booms and sudden flashes of fireworks,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is urging the orchestra to let the fireworks fizzle out and switch to dazzling drone or laser light shows that are safer, kinder, and will bring harmony to all.”

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 Tarnopolsky follows.

May 27, 2026

Matías Tarnopolsky

Linda and Mitch Hart President & CEO

New York Philharmonic

Dear Mr. Tarnopolsky:

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 387,000 across New York—in response to concerns that you will conclude each of your outdoor Concerts in the Parks with problematic fireworks displays. We respectfully implore you to eliminate fireworks at these and all other future events and replace them with visually stunning drone or laser shows. Doing so would spare noise-sensitive companion animals, wildlife, and humans, including veterans with PTSD, from a barrage of distressing explosions. Please allow me to elaborate.

For animals, the loud booms and sudden flashes of light from fireworks can be perceived as a threat—with devastating consequences. 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, leaving them exhausted and vulnerable. Terrified dogs and cats frantically struggle to escape the chaos by climbing, breaking, or digging their way out of wherever they are and end up getting lost, seriously hurt, or killed.

The stress caused by fireworks is not limited to animals: The bangs, bright flashes, and smoke can trigger veterans, survivors of gun violence—including mass shootings—and others who have PTSD, causing flashbacks, sleeplessness, and panic attacks. Fireworks also produce smoke and dust laden with toxic particles that harm the respiratory systems of humans and other animals. Furthermore, debris left from fireworks, including shells and heavy metals, litters the environment.

Please let the fireworks fizzle out and switch to dazzling drone or laser light shows. They are far safer than fireworks and produce almost no air pollution. Most importantly, they would allow all residents and tourists of all species to enjoy future outdoor concerts in harmony. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman

President