SLC’s Downtown Alliance Nets PETA Award for Fireworks-Free New Year’s Eve

Leaving Fireworks Off the Agenda Spares Animals Crippling, Sometimes Lethal Fear

For Immediate Release:
December 29, 2014

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

A kind decision to cancel a planned New Year’s Eve fireworks display has earned the Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance a Compassionate Action Award from PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way.” PETA contacted event planners to suggest animal-friendly events for the three-day EVE Winter Fest, which will now include a lively set of family-friendly activities, including a light show and a 20-foot, 2433-pound disco ball covered in 1200 mirrors to replace the dangerous fireworks display—but without the explosive noise.

“By leaving fireworks off the holiday agenda, Salt Lake City is sparing wild animals—as well as dogs and cats—potential suffering and even death from fleeing in terror from the explosions,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “With so many animal-friendly attractions available, PETA encourages all New Year’s Eve celebration organizers to follow Salt Lake City’s compassionate example and keep animals safe by always leaving fireworks off the list.”

Fireworks are meant to represent “bombs bursting in air”—and to dogs and cats, that’s exactly what they sound like. When animals hear the cracks and booms in the sky, many of them panic and jump over fences, break chains, or even jump through glass windows in an effort to escape the terrifying sounds. Many animals who run in fear are never found: After fireworks displays, animal shelters nationwide report an increase in the number of lost cats and dogs, many of whom are found with bloody paws from running, torn skin from breaking through wooden fences, or other serious injuries. Some animals are hit by cars or killed in other ways as they flee.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.