Save yours pets from New Year crackers

The Sathva Mithra yesterday requested the public to think of their pets and stray animals when lighting crackers.

"It is time again to remind about protecting pet animals, especially dogs, from the terrifying blast of fire crackers at the dawn of the New Year. These blasts in the neighbourhood, sometimes right next door, terrify animals; at times even birds fall from their perches on trees, in shock," Sathva Mithra said in a release.

It made some suggestions to protect pets and save them from running away and getting lost: Refrain from lighting crackers in your own garden if you have pets, because they get terrified, just as little children or old people would. If you are planning to go out on New Year's Eve, don't leave your dog out in the garden, exposing it to these blasts. Dogs must not be left out particularly if you do not have a secure wall round your house; they will creep out through fences and even try to get out through drains. Keep pets indoors, preventing them from rushing out.

The fate that awaits pets that rush out in fright is sad indeed; some get on to the road and are knocked down by speeding vehicles; others creep into drains and are trapped inside, or they fall into the hands of unsavoury characters on prowl for lost pet dogs. Others are attacked by dogs of the area and injured, or they may be stoned, and chased away by people.