Bellamy Young and Edward James Olmos: Fireworks Aren’t a ‘Blast’ for Dogs

PETA Steps Up Efforts to Protect Animals During Noisy Fourth of July Celebrations With Two New Videos

For Immediate Release:
June 28, 2017

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Just in time for Independence Day, actors Edward James Olmos and Bellamy Young—along with their dogs—have teamed up with PETA for two new videos that urge families to protect their animal companions during fireworks displays.

In her video, Young points out that, while fireworks are fun for humans, they’re terrifying for dogs like her beloved Bean. “The deafening blasts sound to them like actual ‘bombs bursting in air,’” says the Scandal star, “and they cause many animals to run away—sometimes breaking through screen doors or windows, or even jumping or frantically climbing over high fences, only to be injured, struck by a vehicle, or lost and never found.”

In his video, which he recorded in Spanish and English, Olmos adds that his dog Moe “loves a good celebration, especially if it involves treats and chewy toys, but not if it involves fireworks, firecrackers, or gunshots.” That’s why the Blade Runner 2049 star joins Young in encouraging families to take precautions such as staying home with animal companions, closing the blinds, and using the TV or a loud fan to block the noise from outside.

Young and Olmos are part of a long list of celebrities—including Krysten Ritter, Mayim Bialik, Emily Deschanel, Joaquin Phoenix, George Lopez, and many others—who have teamed up with PETA (whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”) to promote kindness to animals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.