On this 4th of July, let us celebrate compassionately.
I remember looking forward to the 4th of July festivities when I was a child. Fireworks seemed magical and symbolic of something good: freedom. There are many reasons why I no longer think of the 4th in the same way, but mostly it is because I know too much about how fireworks affect many creatures – both human and more-than-human. I know all too well how fireworks affect the lives of creatures I tend to think about a lot – birds.
I would like to think that with all we are beginning to understand about creaturely cognition, and emotion, we might recognize our need to celebrate compassionately.
Let’s start with other creatures first—and think about humans who not only understand what fireworks are, while more-than-human creatures do not. It has been known for quite some time that war veterans suffering from PTSD can be triggered by fireworks—but because PTSD and anxiety disorders are on the rise, many other human people do not enjoy fireworks.
Of course, all of us who have more-than-human family members—birds, cats, dogs—understand how traumatizing fireworks can be for their feathered and furry family. I remember as a child being so anxious that one of our dogs went missing after fireworks. Fortunately, she was returned to us by a helpful neighbor, but that isn’t always the case. Statistics show that more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year, and a small number of them are returned. Some are hit by cars as they flee into the street. Some become disoriented and wander far away. Some merely hide under the sofa in sheer terror. Isn’t this enough reason to reject fireworks?
One town in Italy has opted for “silent” fireworks to address concerns over how fireworks affect many creatures.
Of course, one particular group of creatures concerns me quite a bit—birds. Many people know that fireworks can affect their furry companions, but they are not aware of how profoundly they affect feathered friends. If you have any experience with birds, you understand that they are not fans of loud, unexpected sounds. In some birds this kind of event can trigger a heart attack. For others, it can cause them to abandon nests, or even fly into cars and buildings out of panic.
A recent event happened (also in Italy, strangely enough) that has been called a “massacre” of birds.
We can take to heart the lessons we have learned through observation and scientific studies: fireworks bring harm to many creatures. Can we truly enjoy celebrating so violently, in a way that terrifies many? It is a question we must ask ourselves. Is it worth the harm it causes? In my own heart and mind, the answer is a firm “NO.”
We human primates are a creative species, and can easily create new and compassionate ways to celebrate what seems important to us.
I hope this year more of us will choose to reject fireworks, or at least to keep an eye on our creaturely companions, and wildlife.
Please watch for injured wildlife and lost pets around the 4th!
And if you know anyone who suffers from PTSD, please be aware and sensitive to their needs.