Costa Mesa Offered $5,000 for Spectacular 'Silent' July Fourth Fireworks

Costa Mesa Offered $5,000 for Spectacular ‘Silent’ July Fourth Fireworks

City Council Member’s Fundraising Plea Prompts PETA Proposal: Go With Stress-Free Show for Animals, Others by Choosing Non-Explosive Fireworks

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2017

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Costa Mesa, Calif. –

City council member John Stephens’ crowdfunding effort to raise $50,000 by May 15 for city-sponsored fireworks this Independence Day has netted a PETA offer to contribute $5,000—if the city agrees to use silent fireworks, which create a stunning show without the war-like explosions that scare off nesting birds, cause dogs and cats to run for their lives, and upset a lot of humans, including the elderly and soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who are sensitive to loud noises.

Silent fireworks rely on rich color effects and visual choreography and offer a stress-free celebration for everyone. Animal shelters nationwide report an increase in the number of lost dogs and cats following traditional fireworks displays. Often, dogs go missing because they panic and jump over fences or even jump through glass windows to escape the terrifying sounds. Loud fireworks displays also alter animals’ breeding behavior and send wildlife racing onto roads, where they may be injured or killed.

“By offering sensational, soundless fireworks, Costa Mesa will prevent dogs, cats, wildlife, and humans suffering from PTSD from being bombarded with deafening noises,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA stands ready to help the city make a different kind of July Fourth history by putting on the first major Independence Day display that delivers all the flash without the fright.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages families to protect their animal companions during fireworks displays by keeping them indoors (and, if possible, staying with them), never leaving them tethered outside, and turning on the TV or the radio to help drown out the frightening noises.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.