‘Wow Without the Pow’: PETA Delivery Blasts Niagara Falls Tourism’s 151 Nights of Fireworks

For Immediate Release:
May 15, 2025

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

Because Niagara Falls Tourism is once again hosting 151 nights of ear-shattering fireworks over the falls through October 13, PETA today sent the tourism group’s Board of Directors and President & CEO, Janice Thomson, a box full of symbols representing animal-friendly ideas to help the Board purge the pyrotechnics. Enclosed with the message, “You Can Wow, Without the Pow,” PETA’s package includes a laser light projector and a pair of drones, along with a vintage poster of Niagara Falls to remind the Board that this top international tourist attraction for 200 years can dazzle tourists all on its own—no deafening displays required.

To ensure its message is heard loud and clear, PETA is also sending a “Niagara FAILS Animals” Noise Button so the tourism group can hear the sounds of distress drowned out by the blasts of nightly fireworks—including fearful dogs crying and crashing through windows, screeching tires as drivers try to avoid panicked deer and other wildlife running for their lives, and the thuds of disoriented birds colliding with buildings.

“From captivating laser light shows to innovative drone displays, there are plenty of ways to ‘wow’ tourists without traumatizing wildlife, companion animals, and noise-sensitive humans,” says PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is calling on Niagara Falls to let fireworks fizzle out and ensure that future festivities leave all animals in peace.”

PETA notes that more than 90,000 people have joined its call to push Niagara Falls officials to end these deafening displays. During fireworks shows, dogs and cats are known to jump fences or break through windows and screen doors to try to escape the noises, and some are never reunited with their families. Other animals, including wildlife, are hit by cars when they flee onto roads. 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%.

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.