Fireworks Go Up in Smoke: Intel Nabs Award for Dazzling Drone Light Show

Tech Company Wins PETA ‘Proggy’ Award for Animal-Friendly, Noiseless, Nonpolluting ‘Shooting Star’ Drones That Replace Loud Fireworks

For Immediate Release:
January 18, 2018

Contact:
Audrey Shircliff 202-483-7382

A Proggy Award (“Proggy” is for “progress”) is on its way from PETA to innovation giant Intel for its game-changing Shooting Star mini-drones, which use colored LED lights and a special locational technology to create a visually stunning fireworks show—without the deafening bangs that have long terrified companion animals, wildlife, and people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Unlike old-fashioned fireworks, these dynamic drones create dazzling displays in the sky without polluting the environment or causing far more anguish than awe among the more vulnerable members of our society, including animals and people with PTSD,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is honoring Intel for this triumphant technological achievement that brings us a step closer to banishing earsplitting fireworks to the history books.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—notes that following conventional fireworks displays, animal shelters typically see an increase in the number of lost dogs, many of whom panic and break loose from leashes or jump over fences or even through glass windows in an attempt to get away from the terrifying sounds. Loud displays also scare wild animals, such as deer, often causing them to flee onto roads, where they risk being injured or killed by vehicles. And the stress isn’t limited to animals: Noise-sensitive children, elderly people, veterans, and those suffering from PTSD are often deeply disturbed by the explosive sounds.

PETA’s Proggy Awards recognize animal-friendly achievements in commerce and culture. Intel will receive a framed certificate and delicious vegan chocolates.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.