Fourth of July Fireworks and Pet Safety in Shasta County, California

For most of us who walk on two legs, Fourth of July fireworks represent a celebration of being American. But our four-legged friends are not generally such big fireworks fans. The sights and sounds associated with the Fourth of July can be terrifying to animals and to domesticated birds. 

Shasta County has several different fireworks displays on or near the Fourth of July. The cities of Anderson (on July 3rd), Shasta Lake (a city celebration with fireworks on June 24th this year), Redding and Burney (both on July 4th) each have their own displays, and nearby Red Bluff in Tehama County also has a display on the Fourth.   And, in Tehama County, individuals can buy fireworks and set them off. Though it is strictly forbidden in Shasta County, you may know some people who cross the county line to buy fireworks and bring them back to set off in Shasta County. However you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, you need to make plans to ensure the safety of your pets.

Shasta County animal control workers will tell you, when there is a community fireworks display, it promises to be a busy Fourth of July. Next time you are seated somewhere watching the fireworks (like in a neighborhood near the Redding Civic Auditorium or the residential streets surrounding the fairgrounds in Anderson) pay attention. It’s not unusual to see an occasional dog running down the street, away from the noise and light of the fireworks. Of course, the animal thinks it is fleeing to safety, but the pet’s owner may never see it again.  Some pets have been known to run for their lives, right into oncoming traffic, especially on a busy night like the Fourth of July.

Fireworks are a huge part of our Independence Day celebrations. The Fourth of July wouldn't be the same without the sights and sounds they bring... but for our pets, they can be an agony to be endured.

Credit: ishnaf

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