We, the undersigned, call for an immediate ban on the sale of all fireworks exceeding a certain decibel level (e.g., 90dB) to the general public, restricting their use solely to licensed, organized public displays.
The Problem
Currently, the widespread public availability and unregulated use of high-decibel fireworks lead to predictable and severe suffering every year. This is a matter of public welfare that urgently requires legislative action.
1. Impact on Animals (Pets and Wildlife)
The unpredictable and extreme noise generated by consumer fireworks causes overwhelming anxiety, terror, and distress in countless domestic pets and wildlife.
Veterinary studies consistently show that noise phobia triggered by fireworks leads to severe stress-related behaviors, including destructive panic, self-injury, and attempts to escape, which often result in injury or death.
Tragically, some pets with extreme anxiety suffer such severe panic attacks that they can pass away due to fear and cardiac stress caused by the sudden, inescapable loud blasts.
Wildlife, including birds and small mammals, also suffer catastrophic stress, often fleeing nesting and feeding areas and injuring themselves in disorientation.
2. Impact on Military Veterans and Trauma Survivors
The explosive sounds and flashes of high-decdecibel fireworks are direct auditory triggers for many of our military veterans and other trauma survivors who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
These sudden, uncontrolled noises mimic combat conditions, causing immediate anxiety, flashbacks, panic attacks, and fear. This involuntary re-experiencing of traumatic events severely impacts their mental health, sense of safety, and quality of life within their own homes and communities.
Our Demand
We are not calling for an end to firework celebrations. We are calling for a responsible and compassionate compromise:
Ban the sale of high-decibel fireworks to the public.
Restrict the use of noisy fireworks exclusively to organized, professionally managed displays where notice can be given, safety is controlled, and sensitive individuals and pet owners can take necessary precautions.
Promote the use of silent or low-noise fireworks for public retail sales, allowing for celebration without causing widespread distress.
By restricting loud fireworks to licensed events, the governing body will take a crucial step toward protecting vulnerable members of our society—our pets, our wildlife, and those who have bravely served our country—ensuring that celebration does not come at the cost of public well-being.
We urge you to take action and support this change immediately.
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Please note: This petition is specifically focused on the loud noise generated by fireworks, not their visual enjoyment.